F&I Management & Training

The former Head of Product Classifieds at Auto Trader has joined the UK's second biggest online car retailing network motors.co.uk as the business launches a revolutionary new website and advertising campaign.

The appointment of David Hearns as Product Director at motors.co.uk is the latest in a series of senior appointments at the rapidly expanding company as it pursues ambitious plans to become the number one choice for consumers looking to buy a used car.

Mr Hearns, who has worked for some of the UK's biggest classified sites including Yell.com, Fish4 and Teletext Holidays in addition to (15 months) his time at Auto Trader, will have responsibility for product development and the management of existing products on the company's new look website.

Motors.co.uk launched in 2007 and has quickly grown to become the UK's second most visited used car network behind Auto Trader. To achieve further growth, the business has launched a major national advertising campaign featuring words of wisdom from new brand icon - Motor Sensei.

Developed by the creators of the Compare the Meerkat adverts, VCCP, Motor Sensei will feature across the new brand creative and will provide buyers with a trusted source of guidance and advice to help them find their next car.

In his new role, David will be instrumental in developing a number of products for the new website's growing dealer base as well as driving improvements to the user experience to help increase sales.

Commenting on his appointment, David said: "This is a great opportunity to bring an established player to the forefront of the market and to become a strong challenger to Auto Trader and other online used car retailers. My ambition is to build on the business’ strong product offering and to work with the development team to continually look for ways to improve the user experience for both consumer and trade customers.

"Having worked for a number of the major classified advertising agencies and the biggest automotive site in the UK, I have gained a very sound commercial understanding of how classified business works and I plan to help motors.co.uk increase their market share and secure their position as the UK's second largest online automotive classified supplier."