Australian automotive media platform CarExpert has launched in New Zealand through a joint venture with Trade Me, marking the company’s first international expansion.
CarExpert.co.nz went live yesterday, delivering daily automotive news, independent local reviews and digital research tools for New Zealand car buyers. The platform launches with more than 25 reviews of new models available locally.
The joint venture combines Trade Me’s audience reach with CarExpert’s editorial expertise to create a specialist authority focused on new-car research and decision support.
The launch enters a market currently served by established operators including NZME’s Driven and the Auto Trader NZ Autocar partnership.
“We identified a clear gap in the New Zealand market for a dedicated, high-quality new-car research destination,” says Brendan Hall, Head of Trade Me Motors.
The platform features industry news, comparative testing and buyer guidance, positioning itself to simplify vehicle purchase decisions as the number of brands and model variants continues to expand.
Central to the offering are CarExpert’s New Car Specialists, experienced automotive journalists who conduct hands-on testing across major segments.
CarExpert CEO Damon Rielly says New Zealand represents a natural expansion opportunity for the company.
“The market is sophisticated, competitive and evolving rapidly,” Rielly says. “Our focus is to provide structured, independent information that helps buyers make confident decisions.”
The partnership provides Trade Me’s OEM partners and franchise dealerships with access to buyers early in their purchase journey, according to Hall.
CarExpert operates as an independent new-car content platform in Australia, while Trade Me has been Aotearoa’s largest online marketplace for 26 years, attracting over 1.5 million visitors monthly.
