The first monthly print edition of automotive online retailer Autolocator's dealer inventories for the Gauteng region is available from today. It will be distributed free through almost 1 000 outlets in the province on the first Wednesday of every month.

The first monthly print edition of automotive online retailer Autolocator's dealer inventories for the Gauteng region is available from today. It will be distributed free through almost 1 000 outlets in the province on the first Wednesday of every month.


The introduction of is not the first time that the company, which offers an online search facility for vehicles stocked by dealers affiliated to Barloworld Motor, Nissan, Combined Motor Holdings, Super Group Dealerships and several independent businesses, has used the print media to increase its reach.


Last year, four print editions of , which listed vehicles stocked at subscribing dealers in all regions of South Africa, were produced and distributed through CAR magazine.


Sales of vehicles listed on increased significantly with each edition of , said the company's managing director Mike von Höne, "giving Autolocator a whopping 178 per cent increase in sales on 2003".


About 60 000 copies of the new 52-page full-colour magazine, now focused entirely on the Gauteng market, were made available free of charge at garage convenience stores in the province today.


"We want to achieve greater penetration in the Gauteng used car market," said director Neal Farrell. "The launch of Autolocator Gauteng is an important part of our strategy to develop new business."


Factors such as new vehicle price stability, low interest rates, stable inflation and higher levels of real income have boosted the new car market, but it was been reported that the used car business is performing comparatively worse


"The new initiative will help stimulate sales of used vehicles for our Gauteng dealers in a market that is currently under pressure," Von Höne said. "For now we'll focus on Gauteng, but in the medium-term, and with our dealers’ support, we'll move in to the other provinces as a matter of priority."


Listings in Autolocator Gauteng are broken down by the vehicle's make and model, colour, mileage, year and price, so that it works as a quick reference guide, he said. Each entry has a reference number, which prospective buyers quote when they call the Autolocator hotline on 0860 580 580.


"We will check the availability of the chosen vehicle and arrange for the dealer to contact the customer, taking the stress out of phoning around for the right vehicle," Von Höne added. "If that vehicle is already sold, we will attempt to source an equivalent vehicle on the buyer's behalf."


Alternatively, consumers can still source vehicles at www.autolocator.co.za.


The introduction of is not the first time that the company, which offers an online search facility for vehicles stocked by dealers affiliated to Barloworld Motor, Nissan, Combined Motor Holdings, Super Group Dealerships and several independent businesses, has used the print media to increase its reach.


Last year, four print editions of , which listed vehicles stocked at subscribing dealers in all regions of South Africa, were produced and distributed through CAR magazine.


Sales of vehicles listed on increased significantly with each edition of , said the company's managing director Mike von Höne, "giving Autolocator a whopping 178 per cent increase in sales on 2003".


About 60 000 copies of the new 52-page full-colour magazine, now focused entirely on the Gauteng market, was made available free of charge at garage convenience stores in the province today.


"We want to achieve greater penetration in the Gauteng used car market," said director Neal Farrell. "The launch of Autolocator Gauteng is an important part of our strategy to develop new business."


Factors such as new vehicle price stability, low interest rates, stable inflation and higher levels of real income have boosted the new car market, but it was been reported that the used car business is performing comparatively worse


"The new initiative will help stimulate sales of used vehicles for our Gauteng dealers in a market that is currently under pressure," Von Höne said. "For now we'll focus on Gauteng, but in the medium-term, and with our dealers support, we'll move in to the other provinces as a matter of priority."


The listings in Autolocator Gauteng are broken down by vehicle's make and model, colour, mileage, year and price, so that it works as a quick reference guide, he said. Each entry has a reference number, which prospective buyers quote when they call the Autolocator hotline on 0860 580 580.


"We will check the availability of the chosen vehicle and arrange for the dealer to contact the customer, taking the stress out of phoning around for the right vehicle," Von Höne added. "If that vehicle is already sold, we will attempt to source an equivalent vehicle on the buyer's behalf."


Alternatively, consumers can still source vehicles at www.autolocator.co.za.

Original article from Car