Introducing our new brand platform and multi-million-pound marketing campaign
It’s Time for Autotrader: Bringing More Buyers to Your Stock
This autumn we’re launching a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign designed to bring more buyers to your stock. It’s Time for Autotrader is our new brand platform - a bold, consistent way of showing consumers why Autotrader is the place to find their next car.
It’s our voice, our personality, and the message that will keep Autotrader top of mind when buyers are ready to make their move.
Because when consumers are ready to buy with confidence, clarity, and satisfaction - it’s time for your stock to be seen. It’s Time for Autotrader.
What this means for retailers
Our goal is simple: further riase brand awareness, especially with younger audiences, to bring even more buyers to Autotrader, ensuring we’re front of mind when they’re searching for a new vehicle.
High-impact, multi-channel approach: Out of Home adverts in six major cities, national radio, podcasts, social media, digital display, YouTube, and influencer activity will ensure buyers see Autotrader in everyday life.
Targeting 25–34-year-olds: The campaign will reach an estimated 96% of adults aged 25-34
Iterative, digital-first approach: We’ll be continually optimising creatives and channels based on what drives engagement and awareness.
Campaign creativity that connects with buyers
The campaign focuses on those real-life “it’s time” moments, big and small, when people realise they probably want or need a new car:
Expectant parents planning for a car seat
A once-manageable commute becoming a chore
Air-conditioning giving up in the middle of summer
Simply spotting a car at the lights that takes your fancy
These everyday moments make the campaign relatable and memorable - ensuring buyers think of Autotrader when they’re ready to act.
Campaign reach
Out of Home activity with 110 million impacts
We'll run adverts in key commuter areas across six cities to capture consumer attention in locations including The Westminster Towers in London, the screen at Bullring south in Birmingham and the Salford Arch in Manchester.
Reaching a target audience of 9.2 million across the airwaves
We'll once again be hitting the airwaves, reaching a target audience of 9.2 million across some of the country’s biggest radio stations like Hits Radio, Capital Dance, Kerrang Radio and more while also featuring on the following podcasts:
Staying Relevant with Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks,
P1 with Matt and Tommy
The Therapy Crouch with Abbey and Peter Crouch
Our owned channels
Our emails, social media channels, and on-site content such as banner takeovers, will amplify the campaign, supported by teaming up with key influencers and PR marketing.
What it means for your dealership
More buyers on site: Greater brand awareness leads to more people searching for vehicles like yours
Earlier engagement: Younger audiences start considering their next car sooner, giving your stock a better chance to be seen
More reach for your listings: The combination of national marketing and smarter on-site search helps your vehicles connect with the right buyers
Keep an eye out for the campaign in key commuter areas, on your favourite radio stations, across social media, and on the Autotrader site itself. This is just the start - we’ll continue to build awareness into 2026, keeping Autotrader front of mind for buyers and driving more traffic to your stock.