Auto Trader extends free advertising as lockdown continues

Auto Trader Group updated the market on the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on Friday, extending its support to its clients.

The FTSE 100 company said the UK automotive market was continuing to face “unprecedented” levels of disruption, with vehicle retailers now needing to remain closed for business for at least a further three weeks as the national lockdown continued.

It said it would advise its customers that, while they were required to remain closed during May, Auto Trader’s advertising packages would continue to be free.

“We remain committed to supporting our customers, our industry and our people,” said chief executive officer Nathan Coe.

“As our customers are not able to meaningfully trade, we will do what we can to support them such that when restrictions are lifted, they are able to get back to business.”

At 1004 BST, shares in Auto Trader Group were up 0.56% at 428.4p.