SANTA MONICA, Calif. -

 To help auto dealers capitalize on their digital retail efforts and reach more used-vehicle buyers online, SureSale has expanded its digital merchandising options.

SureSale, which said it helps auto dealers provide car buyers with verification of vehicle quality and condition, said its digital merchandising allows used-vehicle inventory to stand out in crowded marketplaces.

Because of that, SureSale said auto dealers are reporting an increase in vehicle detail page views and customers.

SureSale vice president of sales Sean Peoples said SureSale’s proprietary platform integrates with dealer platforms to help auto dealers amplify the fact that their vehicles have gone through an inspection, road test and history check.

“The trust and digital engagement this creates is increasing vehicle detail page [VDP] views and buyer consideration for auto dealers, all of which leads to increased used vehicle sales,” Peoples said in a news release.

The company highlighted a recent three-month analysis based on results from several auto dealerships showing that vehicles with a SureSale report experienced a 20% increase in VDP views and leads on third-party marketplaces.

That analysis determined data by comparing vehicles with a SureSale vehicle quality report to a control group on some of the most trafficked auto marketplaces. CarGurus and Autotrader were two of those marketplaces.

Peoples said the SureSale vehicle quality report provides depth of information on each vehicle. Rather than just listing vehicle history, SureSale includes the vehicle’s past and present condition.

That brings consumer confidence and generates a more informed, efficient and valuable transaction for auto dealers, Peoples said.

As the pandemic has increased the number of car shoppers going online, empowering auto dealerships with digital tools that facilitate a more contactless transaction, and that boost vehicle visibility, has increased in importance, SureSale said.

Also, as people avoid mass transportation and ride-sharing, the importance of vehicle ownership has grown, according to the company.

That is bringing a new wave of car buyers into the market, and as new vehicle prices rise, many people are looking at pre-owned vehicles’ affordability.

That all means increased competition — and opportunity — is now being seen in the used-vehicle market.

SureSale integrates with auto dealers’ inventory feeds and image management systems, letting its mobile app users instantly validate vehicle quality and condition.

SureSale’s proprietary platform analyzes thousands of data points including those from the 170-point inspection and road test, as well as a history check. That generates a SureSale vehicle quality report for each vehicle.

SureSale said its enhanced digital merchandising then kicks in.

That digitally badges each vehicle and merchandising listings across third-party marketplaces. The merchandising is turn-key for the dealership, SureSale said, adding that it increases engagement on vehicle listings.

That, according to the company, helps dealers to sell more vehicles, build trust and provide peace-of-mind.