CarsGuide responds to Carsales acquisition of Stratton | statement

Many dealers have expressed concern to about the recent acquisition of Stratton finance by the Carsales organisation. 

We at CarsGuide would like to assert that we share your concerns and wish to assure you that CarsGuide.com.au will never become a competitor to car dealers. We do not own and will not acquire a finance broker, an insurance broker or a car broker.

CarsGuide believes that this acquisition is a highly negative development for the automotive industry. 

We are aware that several major dealers in Australia are now reviewing their ongoing relationship with Carsales as a result of this acquisition. 

CarsGuide believes that a digital car marketing website needs to remain neutral and transparent to all its users. 

CarsGuide has previously rejected substantial advertising opportunities with Stratton to protect your interests and our integrity. We know dealers don't want their cars associated with Stratton, and we will continue with this policy. 

Recently we took our Advertising Sales division in-house and have built a team of automotive media sales specialists. This change enables us to offer manufacturers, agencies and dealers a great avenue to target in-market car buyers on CarsGuide. 

We're also making many exciting improvements to CarsGuide over the next few months that will transform the car selling process by delivering increased and better quality leads and opportunities to our dealers. This will be the biggest change to CarsGuide since its inception.

We recognise that the industry needs a strong alternative to bring increased competition and a better deal to dealers and car buyers nationwide. 

After a slow start, CarsGuide is now gaining traction and our success has never been more important to the auto industry, to you our dealers and to car buyers. 

CarsGuide is committed to being your partner, not your competitor. 
 
Lauren Williams - CarsGuide CEO
 
 
Read examples of the automotive media's reaction here
 
The Australian Financial Review (subscription required)
The Motor Report
Autotalk
AdNews