Investment will enable more holistic Canadian-focused services & solutions to Canadian dealers & OEMs
TORONTO, ON – November 10, 2022 — TRADER Corporation, the leading digital marketing partner for Canadian automotive retailers and manufacturers, today announced that it has agreed to acquire the Canadian operations of Dealertrack from Cox Automotive’s Canadian Retail business.
TRADER comprises AutoTrader.ca, Canada’s #1 automotive marketplace, and AutoSync, Canada’s #1 provider of dealer and OEM software.
“We’re delighted to welcome so many Canadian employees and customers to join us here at TRADER,” said Sebastian Baldwin, CEO of TRADER Corporation. “This investment will enable us to deliver the same levels of product efficacy, innovation and service that our existing customers enjoy, to even more Canadian dealerships and OEMs.”
TRADER will bring to bear its experience and focus on Canadian dealers and the Canadian market to better serve dealers and their customers. In the meantime, the company noted that most Canadian Cox Automotive Retail employees are expected to transition to TRADER, meaning that customers can expect no disruption day-to-day.
”As Cox Automotive continues evolving to meet the changing dynamics of the industry and the needs of our customers, we believe this is the right time and opportunity for these businesses and team members to join TRADER Corporation and help deliver a deeper market-specific Canadian retail solution,” said Mark Bowser, EVP, Chief Financial Officer, Cox Automotive. “While it is very difficult to say goodbye to some of our incredible team members in Canada, we thank them all for their countless contributions to Cox Automotive and wish them well as they continue the great work that has made these businesses so successful.”
In addition to Dealertrack Canada, TRADER has also agreed to acquire the Canadian operations of software businesses VinSolutions, Dealer.com, Xtime and Kelley Blue Book from Cox Automotive Retail.
About TRADER Corporation
TRADER Corporation is a trusted Canadian leader in online media and dealer services. The company is comprised of AutoTrader.ca™ and AutoSync. AutoTrader.ca offers the largest inventory of new cars and used cars in Canada, receiving over 25 million average monthly visits to the marketplace and more than 6 million mobile app downloads. With over 2,500 subscribers and counting, AutoSync is the largest and fastest growing dealer and OEM software provider in Canada. The platform’s suite of connected automotive software solutions brings advertising, conversion and operational support together, synchronizing the entire retail process. AutoSync’s diverse set of products includes: vAuto, Motoinsight, Activix CRM, TAdvantage, and TRFFK.
