Auto Trader saw a 4% decline in pre-tax profits to £191.2m in the six months to 30 September with group turnover, including sales of accessories, down 1% to £313.4m.
Retailer revenue decreased by 1% to £250.8m. The average number of retailer forecourts advertising on its platform decreased 2% to 13,762. Average Revenue Per Retailer per month increased by 1% to £3,037
The group is investing heavily in AI. It acknowledges that Agentic AI could “fundamentally change” how consumers search for a car but said it was well prepared.
Auto Trader is investing heavily in its own AI tech with conversational search, personalised shortlists and tools to automate dealer tasks.
Its own data is also valuable. It argues AI services will still need reliable, current vehicle information.
“We see AI assistants as an additional way of reaching consumers and we are comfortably the most visible automotive marketplace in AI search, as measured by Profound. Referral traffic to Autotrader currently remains below 1%,” it said in its results.
Auto Trader CEO Nathan Coe said: “Our first-half performance reflects the resilience of our business.
“We believe AI represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve how consumers buy cars and how retailers and manufacturers operate, delivering even greater value for all.”
