Exchange and Mart: A Comprehensive Overview of the Automotive Marketplace
Established in 1996, ExchangeandMart.co.uk began as a versatile online platform where users could buy and sell a variety of items and vehicles. Over the decades, the platform has evolved into a specialized hub focusing primarily on new and used motor vehicles, providing a streamlined experience for both private sellers and professional dealers.
Today, the website offers a robust search infrastructure, allowing potential buyers to narrow down their search using specific filters such as price, model, age, mileage, and postcode. To further assist users in their journey, the site also provides dedicated buying advice.
Key Facts
- Launched: 1996.
- Primary Focus: New and used motor vehicles.
- Reach: Integration with Newsquest provides access to 200 regional newspapers and 170 websites.
- Audience: Newsquest network reaches approximately 24.5 million visitors per month.
- Dealer Services: Provides web and mobile hosting for independent motor dealers since 2012.
Dealer Services and Digital Integration
Since 2012, Exchange and Mart has expanded its business model to support independent motor dealers. By building and hosting dedicated web and mobile sites, the company helps smaller dealerships expand their digital footprint and reach a broader online audience.
Central to this offering is the Exchange and Mart portal. This system allows dealers to broadcast their motor stock simultaneously to their own website, their mobile platform, and other selected sites to maximize lead generation.
Strategic Growth and Newsquest Partnership
A significant turning point occurred in 2016 with the relaunch of ExchangeandMart.co.uk. This relaunch introduced a strategy to leverage the massive reach of Newsquest, a media group owning 200 regional newspapers and 170 regional newspaper websites. This partnership allows the platform to tap into a monthly audience of 24.5 million visitors.
As a result of this synergy, Exchange and Mart now powers several Newsquest-owned titles, including the Warrington Guardian and s1cars.com.
| Feature/Era | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Functionality | Buying and selling new/used motor vehicles |
| Search Filters | Price, Model, Postcode, Age, Mileage |
| B2B Services | Web/Mobile hosting for independent dealers |
| Network Reach | 24.5 million monthly visitors via Newsquest |
| Pricing Example | Ads starting from £5 (as of 2015) |
Historical Ventures and Market Position
While currently focused on automotive sales, the company has experimented with other media and niche markets. Between 2003 and 2005, the company operated Exchange and Mart TV, and from 2005 to 2006, it managed PetOwnersOnline.com.
In terms of market positioning, the platform is recognized as a viable alternative to larger services like Auto Trader. In a 2015 analysis by Simon Davis of Carwow, it was noted that while Exchange and Mart requires payment to feature advertisements, the low entry cost (starting at £5) is balanced by a significant monthly audience, which was cited as 7.1 million people at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I search for on Exchange and Mart?
Users can search for new and used motor vehicles using filters for price, model, postcode, age, and mileage.
How does Exchange and Mart help independent motor dealers?
Since 2012, the company has built and hosted web and mobile sites for independent dealers and provided a portal to broadcast stock across multiple platforms to increase leads.
What is the relationship between Exchange and Mart and Newsquest?
Exchange and Mart utilizes the Newsquest network of 200 regional newspapers and 170 websites to reach an audience of 24.5 million visitors per month and powers titles like s1cars.com.
Is it free to list a vehicle on Exchange and Mart?
No, unlike some other options, users must pay to feature their ads, with prices historically starting as low as £5.
Did Exchange and Mart ever offer services other than vehicle sales?
Yes, the company previously operated Exchange and Mart TV (2003–2005) and PetOwnersOnline.com (2005–2006).