Zuto extends consumer finance partnership with Auto Trader

Zuto, the online car finance expert, has secured an exclusive two year partnership with Auto Trader, the leading digital automotive marketplace, with a pledge to provide a modern and consumer-friendly finance offering for UK motorists alongside Auto Trader’s private car adverts.

With both brands market leaders in the automotive sector, the renewed partnership will look at ways to utilise Zuto’s application of intuitive technology to help improve consumer’s experiences in the used car market, through better education on their finance options, customer service initiatives and an expanded network of dealer partners.

Zuto provides car finance solutions to customers in a variety of circumstances by partnering with a panel of over 15 lenders. It also carries out free vehicle history and valuation checks to confirm the purchase price.

The partnership sees Zuto continue as the sole online finance partner for private car adverts across the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace. Zuto, who rebranded from Car Loan 4U last month and has just launched its first nationwide TV campaign, has been working with Auto Trader since October 2012.

James Wilkinson, CEO of Zuto, said: “Our partnership means we can offer a finance solution to thousands of motorists searching for a car through Auto Trader and help them during the buying process. Buying a car can be a daunting experience because there are a lot of unknowns, but we aim to make this an easier process.

“Not everyone has a mechanic on-hand to reassure them they’re making a sound buying decision or is confident they’ll be approved for a loan. We make our customers aware of their finance options and ultimate budget before beginning their car search.

“We know that to truly help car buyers we also need to forge stronger relationships with dealerships so will be working to expand our recommended dealer programme in the coming year.”

Paul Harrison, Head of Motor Finance at Auto Trader, commented, “It was an obvious choice to partner again with Zuto on our private car adverts, because their business model is much more than just a finance solution. Some car buyers will always prefer to arrange their finance before visiting a showroom, so this partnership is aligned to how consumers now research finance online, while at the same time helping dealers to sell cars to consumers they would not have otherwise seen.

“Zuto’s value-added service and intuitive technology not only makes for a very positive experience for the buyer but also delivers a new, confident kind of customer to dealerships – a customer who understands what they can afford, the finance product they’ve been recommended and the cars that are available in their price range.”