CarsGuide is an online marketplace and content platform based in Sydney, Australia. The company specializes in automotive sales and purchases, as well as car news, advice and reviews.
Industry | Automotive E-commerce Media |
---|---|
Founded | November 2011 |
Headquarters | Sydney |
Key people | Shaun Cornelius (CEO) |
Number of employees | 69 |
Parent | eBay Classifieds Group |
Website | Official website |
The company was founded in 2011 as a News Corp Australia company,[1] and in 2016 merged with the Australian branch of Cox Automotive, which is ultimately owned by Cox Enterprises.[2][3] In May 2020, eBay Classifieds group acquired Cox Media, the subsidiary of Cox Enterprises that runs CarsGuide.[4]
In November 2011, News Corp Australia and a network of Australian automotive groups set out to build a destination for Australians to buy and sell cars.[1][failed verification] This gave launch to CarsGuide in late 2011.[citation needed]
Following a rebrand in late 2014, led by MediaCom, BWM and Interbrand,[5] the company launched a new strategy which included a location-based search and free listings for private sellers.[6][7]
In 2016, News Corp Australia sold their 55% share in the company,[2] and the company signed a merger agreement with Dealer Solutions, Manheim and Sell My Car to form Cox Automotive Australia, a branch of the Atlanta-based company of the same name, which was completed in late 2016.[8][9]
In November 2017, the company launched an in-house content agency, Joyride, led by Jamie Clift, formerly of Droga5 and Saatchi & Saatchi.[10]
February 2018 saw CEO Lauren Williams leave the company.[11] The vacant position was filled in October by Shaun Cornelius, previously of Deloitte and eBay.[12] The company is now owned by eBay Classifieds group,[4] who bought out Cox Media in 2020 to acquire both CarsGuide and Autotrader.com.