AUTOTRADER and Gumtree Cars are continuing their program of preparing dealers for the rapidly evolving digital world within car showrooms with a high-powered panel discussion at the forthcoming AADA National Dealer Convention & Expo, which is itself an all-online event.

The online automotive classified partner sites have announced they are sponsoring and conducting the Next Digital Frontier panel at the AADA industry conference which runs from November 10-11.

CarsGuide Autotrader CEO Shaun Cornelius will lead the panel discussion on the new digital frontier for automotive sales.

Taking place on day two of the convention, the panel follows on from the success of Gumtree’s Dealer Talks podcast earlier this year featuring a series of interviews by GoAutoNews Premium publisher John Mellor with influential automotive industry figures.

Mr Cornelius will chair a 30-minute session titled ‘Dealer Talks Live: The Next Digital Frontier in Auto’, in a discussion about the evolution of the online vehicle purchase journey.

Included in the panel will be:

• Craig O’Donnell, head of digital platforms and experience at Volkswagen Group Australia
• Dale McCauley, partner at Deloitte Motor Industry Services
• Jamie Moyle, digital manager of Car Giant WA

Mr Cornelius said in a statement: “Industry wide there are many changes, trials and opportunities across the digital automotive landscape, which is why I’m pleased to chair this panel discussion as we look to the future of digital automotive sales.”

The panel will discuss the digital frontier for the automotive industry, unpacking the changing face of the digital buyer journey in 2020 and beyond.

As lead principal sponsor of the AADA conference, Autotrader and Gumtree Cars will also for the first time share the results of an exclusive survey, undertaken by BrandSpark, of new and used vehicle shoppers, recent vehicle purchasers and the role of digital influence in a pandemic new world.

Revealed in special feature session with Autotrader and Gumtree Cars dealer sales director Richard Dicello and BrandSpark International VP strategy Denis Hancock, the research report Connect with the New Digital Car Buyer uncovers how Australians’ buying behaviours have accelerated throughout the pandemic and advises on the opportunities for businesses to capitalise on this new generation of customers.

The AADA 2020 ‘Moving Forward’ Conference will be a complimentary industry event for dealership attendees, taking place virtually across the two days. For more information, including the Conference program and registration, visit: www.aadaconvention.com.au

By John Mellor