NEW Zealand’s biggest online marketplace and classified site, Trade Me, has invested in Australian automotive marketplace platform CarExpert to form a joint venture to compete in NZ’s annual $125.3 million automotive listings market.

It combines Trade Me’s dominant NZ marketplace position with CarExpert’s new-car content. 

The latest joint venture is the second major media investment for Trade Me after it bought 50 per cent of NZ-based Stuff (previously Fairfax NZ) media’s digital business in June this year. Trade Me has not disclosed the value of its investment in CarExpert.

Stuff’s property section has been rebranded as Trade Me Property, with listings and content shared across both platforms.

Under the Trade Me and CarExpert partnership, content will be provided for Stuff and Trade Me motoring outlets by CarExpert.

The partnership will lead to the formation of CarExpert NZ early next year. 

L-R: Alborz Fallah, Brendan Hall and Damon Rielly

Trade Me Motors head Brendan Hall said the JV with CarExpert “will bring together the strength of Trade Me’s audience with CarExpert’s proven expertise.”

“We invested in CarExpert because of the proven success they’ve had in Australia,” Mr Hall said.

“Their content engages with millions of Aussies every month, proving its strong resonance with car buyers across the ditch.”

CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah said: “This investment from Trade Me represents a huge vote of confidence in what we’ve built at CarExpert.”

“We’ve always believed consumers deserve transparency, trust, and genuinely independent advice when it comes to buying a new car, and now we can bring that same experience to New Zealanders.”

CarExpert CEO Damon Rielly said: “New Zealanders are spoiled for choice, with more makes, models, and engine types than ever before, from petrol and hybrid to full electric. That variety can make buying a car more complex than ever before.”

“Our goal is to simplify the journey, helping people cut through the noise to find the right car at the right price. 

“Partnering with Trade Me, a business that understands Kiwi consumers better than anyone, makes this the perfect time to expand across the Tasman.”

CarExpert said the upcoming NZ site would deliver “local reviews, pricing insights, and high-quality video content tailored to Kiwi audiences.”

“The partnership will also lay the groundwork for future collaboration with local dealerships and distributors, enabling a seamless new-car buying journey for Kiwi drivers,” it said.

CarExpert NZ will now recruit key roles including a country manager and managing editor position, with plans to secure a prominent local reviewer-driver as the authoritative face of new car reviews in the market.