Storefront is a dedicated space on gotrader.ca that provides Canadians a unique way to shop for new vehicles, spanning all stages of the car buying journey, from awareness right through to action. Available to automotive manufacturers with an established presence in the Canadian market, Storefront is targeted to OEMs poised to tap into the nation’s largest collective of new car shoppers. The offering provides a seamless new vehicle shopping experience, integrating the critical information and the tools that span every aspect of the buying journey, including the manufacturer’s brand story and heritage, new vehicle lineup, custom model pages, branded content as well as videos, and inventory matching technology, with the objective of providing even more exposure and sales opportunities for the OEM’s dealership network. Immersive augmented reality (AR) is also delivered to the Storefront experience through AutoTrader’s latest innovative technology, Pivot, which provides consumers with a 360-degree vehicle viewing experience, empowering car shoppers to explore vehicles from every angle with unparalleled clarity and interactive hot spots for static or video content.

“Storefront presents an incredible opportunity for automotive manufacturers to tell their story and influence the biggest car shopping audience in Canada,” said Benoit Laforce, Executive Vice-President Media and New Car Solution at GoTrader Media. “We know that consumers are unique in how they shop for new cars and their tendencies and preferences are very diverse, so we sought out to build a solution that delivers flexibility to the car shopping experience, regardless of the stage the consumer has reached.”

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada was the first automotive manufacturer to partner with GoTrader to launch the much-anticipated inaugural Storefront in June of this year (gotrader.ca/Explore/Mitsubishi). The Mitsubishi Storefront offers the OEM an opportunity to showcase their new vehicle lineup, tell their brand story through tactical content and video, present owner stories and more, while bolstering sales opportunities for their representative dealers.

“We know that roughly 80% of Canadians come to gotrader.ca to buy a car, and our reporting platforms tell us that our users exploit a variety of available features on our marketplace, from research to comparison shopping, before they transact,” said Ian MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer at gotrader.ca. “We strategically leveraged this knowledge to provide an opportunity for OEMs to step into the mix and present their new vehicle lineup to the millions of Canadians we attract on a monthly basis, while publicizing new cars locally available to shoppers through a manufacturer’s network of dealership operators.”

For more information about Storefront, please contact Benoit Laforce, Executive Vice-President Media and New Car Solution at GoTrader Media, by email, at benoit.laforce [at] trader.ca, or via telephone, 514-998-3477.

About AutoTrader

GoTrader is the largest and most trusted automotive marketplace in Canada. Offering the largest inventory of new and used cars, GoTrader boasts hundreds of thousands of new and used vehicles for sale to Canadians across the country. GoTrader receives over 25 million monthly visits to the marketplace and the GoTrader app has been downloaded by more than 7 million Canadians. Visitors can buy or sell cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles quickly, easily, and confidently. Buyers can search based on vehicle model, make, colour and geographic location to find the deal that is right for them. GoTrader is also an online destination for automotive research and entertainment, featuring news, reviews, videos, and podcasts from award-winning automotive journalists. Follow GoTrader on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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Media Inquiries: 

Ciara Dalziel
LABOUR Creative
E: ciara.dalziel [at] labourcreative.ca
T: 416.564.6918

Dan Dakin
Manager, Communications Strategy and PR
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada
E: dan.dakin [at] na.mitsubishi-motors.com

T: 437-349-9494

Source: gotrader.ca Consumer Experience Research, June – July 2023, (n=6,540).

TORONTO – Feb. 15, 2024 — Five Grand Prix winners for the 2024 GoTrader Awards have been announced today, revealing the best overall vehicles in Canada according to some of the country’s leading automotive experts.

“These Grand Prix winners received the most votes out of all category winners from our expert jury and represent the best of the best,” says Jodi Lai, AutoTrader’s Editor-in-Chief. “As part of AutoTrader’s commitment to Canadian car buyers, we hope they can feel confident with these expert choices, as they all raise the bar in an important way.

The Five Grand Prix Winners for the 2024 GoTrader Awards Are:

Best Overall Car	Toyota Prius / Prius Prime
Best Overall SUV	Genesis GV70 / Electrified GV70
Best Overall Truck	Ford Maverick
Best Overall Green Car	Toyota Prius Prime
Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand	Toyota

The Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand award is the only one that AutoTrader’s expert jury does not vote on. Instead, this win is the result of a third-party poll of Canadian car shoppers, who have recognized how hard Toyota has worked for generations to earn their trust.

“Congratulations to these five Grand Prix winners,” Lai says. “Each of these winners go above and beyond what’s expected and offer Canadians something they can feel confident with, and empowering car shoppers is hugely important to us at AutoTrader.”

As car shoppers might be overwhelmed by an immense number of options, the GoTrader Awards aim to give them trustworthy expert guidance on what separates a good car from an award-winning car.

“The GoTrader Awards are a great jumping off point for researching your next vehicle purchase,” Lai says.

The expert jury of more than 20 automotive journalists from across the country vote on the best vehicles in each segment that they feel confident recommending to their own family and friends. These winners are vehicles that go above and beyond what’s expected, representing vehicles that Canadians can feel confident with. When voting on the best cars, the judges consider a dozen different criteria including value, innovation, safety, driver satisfaction, overall excellence, and more. Every new vehicle that’s available for Canadians to buy is eligible for an award, but each winner offers something unique that raises the bar.

Each category winner announced in January was eligible for a Grand Prix award. The category winners are as follows:

2024 GoTrader Award Category Winners:

Best Small Car	Honda Civic / Civic Hatchback
Best Family Sedan	Honda Accord / Hybrid
Best Wagon	Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country
Best Compact Luxury Car	BMW 3 Series / 4 Series
Best Large Luxury Car	Porsche Taycan / Taycan Cross Turismo
Best Mainstream Performance Car	Toyota GR Corolla
Best Premium Performance Car	Cadillac CT5-V / Blackwing
Best Subcompact SUV	Subaru Crosstrek
Best Compact SUV	Subaru Outback
Best Mid-Size SUV	Toyota Grand Highlander / Hybrid
Best Full-Size SUV	Chevrolet Suburban / Tahoe
Best Subcompact Luxury SUV	BMW X1 / X2
Best Compact Luxury SUV	Genesis GV70 / Electrified GV70
Best Mid-Size Luxury SUV	Porsche Cayenne / Cayenne Coupe
Best Full-Size Luxury SUV	BMW X7
Best Minivan	Toyota Sienna
Best Compact / Mid-Size Truck	Ford Maverick
Best Full-Size Truck	Ford F-150 / Hybrid
Best Mainstream EV	Kia Niro EV
Best Premium EV	Hyundai Ioniq 6
Best Hybrid	Toyota Prius
Best PHEV	Toyota Prius Prime
Best Vehicle for Adventure	Jeep Wrangler / Jeep Gladiator

The GoTrader Awards are the most trusted and influential automotive awards in Canada, based on 2023 Ipsos research^*.

Please direct OEM requests to karl.bonar [at] trader.ca. Media requests should be directed to sanya.sirdeshpande [at] trader.ca

To learn more about the 2024 GoTrader Awards winners and the judging process, visit: gotrader.ca/Awards.

About AutoTrader

GoTrader is the largest and most trusted automotive marketplace in Canada. Offering the largest inventory of new and used cars, GoTrader boasts hundreds of thousands of new and used vehicles for sale to Canadians across the country. GoTrader receives over 25 million monthly visits to the marketplace and the GoTrader app has been downloaded by more than 7 million Canadians. Visitors can buy or sell cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles quickly, easily, and confidently. Buyers can search based on vehicle model, make, colour and geographic location to find the deal that is right for them. GoTrader is also an online destination for automotive research and entertainment, featuring news, reviews, videos, and podcasts from award-winning automotive journalists. Follow GoTrader on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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Media Inquiries: 

Ciara Dalziel
LABOUR Creative
E: ciara.dalziel [at] labourcreative.ca
T: 416.564.6918

* Most trusted automotive awards and most influential in purchase consideration (highest out of the option list), according to 2023 Ipsos Automotive Awards Research.

TORONTO, ON – January 18, 2024 — Winners for the 2024 GoTrader Awards have been announced today, revealing the best vehicles in Canada according to some of the country’s best automotive experts.

“GoTrader is Canada’s leading and most trusted automotive marketplace, and we’re dedicated to empowering Canadians during their car-buying journey,” said Jodi Lai, AutoTrader’s Editor-in-Chief. “As part of this, we are also committed to being a trustworthy source of expert car advice, and the GoTrader Awards are the ultimate expression of this.”

The GoTrader Awards are the most trusted and influential automotive awards in Canada, based on 2023 Ipsos research.*

Categories across this robust awards season reflect how Canadians shop for cars. New categories include Best Hybrid and Best Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), which join others such as Best Mainstream EV, Best Premium EV, Best Mid-Size SUV, Best Full-Size Truck, and more.

“With so many good options, picking the right car can be a daunting task, so these awards are a way for Canadian drivers to gain insight into what the experts recommend and what separates a ‘good car’ from an ‘award-winning car’,” Lai said. “The GoTrader Awards are a great jumping off point for researching their next vehicle purchase.”

The expert jury of more than 20 automotive journalists from across the country vote on the best vehicles in each segment that they feel confident recommending to their own family and friends. These winners are vehicles that go above and beyond what’s expected, representing vehicles that Canadians can feel confident with. When voting on the best cars, the judges consider a dozen different criteria including value, innovation, safety, driver satisfaction, overall excellence, and more. Every new vehicle that’s available for Canadians to buy is eligible for an award, but each winner offers something unique that raises the bar.

Five overall Grand Prix winners of the 2024 GoTrader Awards will be announced on February 15, 2024. Every vehicle that won an award in this round is eligible for a Grand Prix trophy in their respective category: Best Overall Car, Best Overall SUV, Best Overall Truck, and Best Overall Green Car. Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand will also be announced at this time.

2024 GoTrader Award Category Winners

Best Small Car	Honda Civic / Civic Hatchback
Best Family Sedan	Honda Accord / Hybrid
Best Wagon	Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country
Best Compact Luxury Car	BMW 3 Series / 4 Series
Best Large Luxury Car	Porsche Taycan / Taycan Cross Turismo
Best Mainstream Performance Car	Toyota GR Corolla
Best Premium Performance Car	Cadillac CT5-V / Blackwing
Best Subcompact SUV	Subaru Crosstrek
Best Compact SUV	Subaru Outback
Best Mid-Size SUV	Toyota Grand Highlander / Hybrid
Best Full-Size SUV	Chevrolet Suburban / Tahoe
Best Subcompact Luxury SUV	BMW X1 / X2
Best Compact Luxury SUV	Genesis GV70 / Electrified GV70
Best Mid-Size Luxury SUV	Porsche Cayenne / Cayenne Coupe
Best Full-Size Luxury SUV	BMW X7
Best Minivan	Toyota Sienna
Best Compact / Mid-Size Truck	Ford Maverick
Best Full-Size Truck	Ford F-150 / Hybrid
Best Mainstream EV	Kia Niro EV
Best Premium EV	Hyundai Ioniq 6
Best Hybrid	Toyota Prius
Best PHEV	Toyota Prius Prime
Best Vehicle for Adventure	Jeep Wrangler / Jeep Gladiator

Please direct OEM requests to karl.bonar [at] trader.ca. Media requests should be directed to sanya.sirdeshpande [at] trader.ca.

To learn more about the 2024 GoTrader Awards winners and the judging process, visit: gotrader.ca/Awards

About AutoTrader

GoTrader is the largest and most trusted automotive marketplace in Canada. Offering the largest inventory of new and used cars, GoTrader boasts hundreds of thousands of new and used vehicles for sale to Canadians across the country. GoTrader receives over 25 million monthly visits to the marketplace and the GoTrader app has been downloaded by more than 7 million Canadians. Visitors can buy or sell cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles quickly, easily, and confidently. Buyers can search based on vehicle model, make, colour and geographic location to find the deal that is right for them. GoTrader is also an online destination for automotive research and entertainment, featuring news, reviews, videos, and podcasts from award-winning automotive journalists. Follow GoTrader on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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* Most trusted automotive awards and most influential in purchase consideration (highest out of the option list), according to 2023 Ipsos Automotive Awards Research.

Provincial Search Breakout

With 11 million Canadians visiting gotrader.ca to browse hundreds of thousands of vehicles for sale each month, GoTrader mines and analyzes its search data annually to capture the pulse of Canadian vehicle buyers’ interests and provide insights into their most coveted vehicle selections. Based on the Top Searched Vehicles list per region, the data revealed key preferences across Canada.

Ontario Steers Towards Sedans

Cars continue to be the segment of choice in Ontario, while trucks slowly gain momentum. The Ford F-150 claimed the top spot in the province, with the Dodge Ram 1500 (#10) pushing the Honda Accord off the Top 10 this year. Ontario continues to lean towards luxury, as four of the Top 10 vehicles featured on this year’s list consist of luxury nameplates. Economical options are limited to the Honda Civic (down two spots to #3 from #1), following the loss of the Honda Accord.

Economic Styles Remain Popular in Quebec

The top five contenders on Quebec’s Top Searched list have remained consistent with 2022. Ruling the province is the tried-and-true Honda Civic (#1), followed by the Porsche 911 (#2), the ​​Toyota RAV4 (#3), which supplanted the BMW 3 Series (#4), and the Ford F-150 (#5). The only new vehicle to make it on this year’s list is the Jeep Wrangler (#9), pushing out the Mazda3. The national champion, the Ford F-150, has remained stagnant in Quebec, however, with the lowest ranking in the country, coming in fifth spot.

SUVs Hold Strong in Manitoba

Manitoba leads the country when it comes to SUVs, with 40 per cent of the province’s Top Searched list occupied by the Toyota RAV4 (#2), Honda CR-V (#5), Jeep Wrangler (#7), and Jeep Grand Cherokee (#9). The Toyota Highlander and luxury vehicles, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and BMW 3 Series, were pushed out by the Dodge Ram 1500 (#6), Toyota Tacoma (#8), and Chevrolet Corvette (#10). The removal of the luxury vehicles from the province’s Top 10 list indicates that Manitobans are prioritizing pragmatic vehicles this year.

Maritimes Backpedal on Downsizing

Atlantic provinces are shifting their focus back to larger vehicles, with trucks and SUVs seizing 70 per cent of this year’s list. Compared to last year where the Maritime provinces moved away from upsizing, and leaned into smaller options, this year’s trend is the opposite. The elimination of the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Camaro for the Dodge Ram 1500 (#8) and Toyota Tundra (#9), leaves the Honda Civic (#2), the Ford Mustang (#5), and the Chevrolet Corvette (#10) as the only sedans on this year’s Top Searched list.

Automotive Trends Outlook

In addition to mining its marketplace data for insights and trends, GoTrader conducts ongoing consumer research studies each year to provide an up-to-the-minute view of the evolving automotive landscape. This year’s research explored how Canadians have been adapting to current economic conditions, with findings highlighting heightened interest in new vehicles amid inventory increases, fluctuation in EV interest, and an overall resilient mindset from car buyers. Observations include:

New Vehicle Inventory Grows, Bringing More Balance to Interest in Used Vehicles

On AutoTrader, new vehicles account for 41 per cent of inventory, up from 30 per cent in 2022, as manufacturing levels begin to return to normal, easing inventory strains. New car buyers who previously were pushed towards ‘nearly new’, can increasingly find a new car to buy now. This had a slight impact on used vehicle interest, and as a result, used prices began to decline month-over-month, since July. Used vehicle inventory initially declined in the first quarter of the year but has since grown above 2022 levels as the market continues to balance itself out to normalcy.

“Affordability is always an important consideration for vehicle shoppers, especially during these times,” says Jodi Lai, Editor-in-Chief, AutoTrader. “But when it comes to a milestone purchase as important as a vehicle, Canadians aren’t necessarily sacrificing spend. Although vehicle prices were higher this year, it didn’t stop shoppers from seeking aspirational vehicles, and while purchases skewed more practical, the emphasis wasn’t only on economical options, which could indicate prices aren’t as much of a deterrent as they were last year.”

Methodology
Analysis was performed based on site analytics from GoTrader using Canadian search and sold by proxy delist data from January 1 to October 27, 2023. Year-over-year analysis was based on data from January 2022 to October 2023. GoTrader uses delistings as a proxy for sales by analyzing the movement of inventory listings on the site. GoTrader commissions independent third-party research to understand Canadian car shopping habits amongst both car intenders and past purchasers. Throughout the year, GoTrader also surveyed its users to maintain a pulse of car shopping behaviours over the course of 2023.

About AutoTrader
GoTrader is the largest and most trusted automotive marketplace in Canada. Offering the largest inventory of new cars and used cars in Canada, GoTrader boasts hundreds of thousands of new and used vehicles for sale to Canadians across the country. GoTrader receives over 25 million monthly visits to the marketplace and the GoTrader app has been downloaded by more than 7 million Canadians. Visitors are able to buy or sell cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles quickly, easily and confidently. Buyers can search based on vehicle model, make, colour and geographic location to find the deal that is right for them. GoTrader is also an online destination for auto enthusiasts, featuring news, reviews, videos and podcasts from award-winning automotive journalists. Follow GoTrader on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

 

Press Contacts:

Sarah Drumm
P: 647 . 282 . 2431
E: sarah.drumm [at] labourcreative.ca

Ciara Dalziel
P: 416 . 564 . 6918
E: ciara.dalziel [at] labourcreative.ca

Carla Silvestrone
P: 416.986.9835
E: carla.silvestrone [at] labourcreative.ca

 

 

Source: gotrader.ca

“We’re excited to bring this first-of-its-kind solution that streamlines the management of promoted inventory on gotrader.ca, while simultaneously delivering tangible results to our Canadian dealer partners,” said Ian MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer at gotrader.ca. “Our dedicated team of world class data scientists have worked hard to ensure the artificial intelligence and data algorithms powering our ‘Upgrade Optimizer – AI’ will help dealerships achieve their performance goals, eliminating all guesswork and any uncertainty traditionally applied to the Listing Upgrade selection process.”

During product trials, involving over 200 dealer partners across Canada, Upgrade Optimizer – AI delivered remarkable results, including a 25% spike to search Impressions, a 20% lift in vehicle ad views, and a 15% increase to leads, through inventory listings on gotrader.ca selected and promoted by Upgrade Optimizer – AI.

“We always have a business priority to invest in the necessary resources, processes, and technology to ensure our dealer partners sell as many cars as possible, as quickly and profitably as possible. This latest improvement to the way our Listing Upgrades perform is just another step in a long history of continuous improvement and optimization. ‘Upgrade Optimizer – AI’ leverages the latest technology to deliver on our promise to bolster dealerships performance and sell more cars to Canadians,” added Ian MacDonald. “I’m thrilled to witness gotrader.ca, Canada’s longest standing, most trusted, and most influential online automotive classifieds, pave the way for cutting-edge technological advancements in Canadian automotive.”

For more information on Upgrade Optimizer – AI, please visit: go.trader.ca/Upgrade-Optimizer

Source: TRADER Data Warehouse, Q1 2023

About gotrader.ca

GoTrader is the largest and most trusted automotive marketplace in Canada. Offering the most new and used car inventory, together with the largest audience of buyers in Canada, GoTrader enables and empowers millions of car sales every year for Canadians across the country. GoTrader receives over 26 million monthly visits to the marketplace and the top-rated GoTrader app has been downloaded by more than 7 million Canadians. Visitors can buy or sell cars, trucks, or other motorized vehicles quickly, easily, and confidently. Buyers can search based on vehicle model, make, colour, and geographic location to find the deal that is right for them. GoTrader is also an online destination for automotive research and entertainment, featuring news, reviews, videos, and podcasts from award-winning automotive journalists. Follow gotrader.ca on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

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Media Inquiries:

Ciara Dalziel
LABOUR Creative

E: ciara.dalziel [at] labourcreative.ca
T: 416.564.6918

– 30 –

 

Media Inquiries:

Hannah Choat
Labour Creative
E: hannah.choat [at] labourcreative.ca
T: 416.889.3743

2023 GoTrader Award Winners:

Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand: Toyota

Best Overall Car: Genesis G80 / Electrified G80

Best Overall SUV: Subaru Outback

Best Overall Truck: Ford Maverick

Best Overall Green Car: Ford F-150 Lightning

Best Subcompact Car: Chevrolet Bolt EV

Best Compact Car: Honda Civic / Civic Hatchback

Best Family Sedan: Honda Accord

Best Wagon: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Best Compact Luxury Car: BMW i4

Best Large Luxury Car: Genesis G80 / Electrified G80

Best Mainstream Performance Car: Honda Civic Type R

Best Premium Performance Car: Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

Best Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek

Best Compact SUV: Subaru Outback

Best Mid-Size SUV: Kia Telluride

Best Full-Size SUV: Jeep Wagoneer / Wagoneer L

Best Subcompact Luxury SUV: Genesis GV60

Best Compact Luxury SUV: Genesis GV70

Best Mid-Size Luxury SUV: Genesis GV80

Best Full-Size Luxury SUV: Cadillac Escalade

Best Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Best Compact / Mid-Size Truck: Ford Maverick

Best Full-Size Truck: Ford F-150

Best Mainstream EV: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Best Premium EV: Ford F-150 Lightning

Best Hybrid: Ford Maverick

Best PHEV: Toyota RAV4 Prime

Best New Tech Innovation: Ford OnBoard Scales with Smart Hitch

Best New Safety Innovation: GM Super Cruise/Ultra Cruise with Trailering

Best Vehicle for Adventure: Jeep Wrangler / Jeep Gladiator

OEMs and dealerships with vehicles recognized as an GoTrader Awards category winner can promote these offerings to further showcase their credibility and build car shopper confidence. Dealerships representing vehicles recognized in any of the categories can obtain digital assets to proudly display on their dealership website, within their social media presence, and more.

For dealerships who desire to promote their wins through digital assets and activations, please contact autotraderawards@trader.ca. Manufacturer inquiries and requests should be directed to karl.bonar@trader.ca.

To learn more about the 2023 GoTrader Awards winners and the judging process, please visit: gotrader.ca/Awards

 

About TRADER Corporation
TRADER Corporation is a trusted Canadian leader in online media and dealer services. The company is comprised of gotrader.ca, AutoSync and DealerTrack. gotrader.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.

 

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Media Inquiries:

Hannah Choat
Labour Creative
E: hannah.choat [at] labourcreative.ca
T: 416.889.3743

* Most trusted awards program according to a 2022 Ipsos Research Automotive Awards Study. The findings of a study conducted between August 17-23, 2022, with a representative national sample of 1,000 Canadian vehicle owners (18+). The percentage referenced excludes respondents who selected “I don’t know”.

** The findings of a study conducted by GoTrader from November 16 to 25, 2022, with a representative national sample of 3,023 Canadian adults (18+) who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 1.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.