Every so often I try to map the complex web of relationships (excluding lead generation and ad networks) among third-party automotive sites. I especially like being able to visually represent the interdependencies – for instance, we can see that the most highly visited automotive sites (e.g. Autotrader, cars, Edmunds, kbb, and portals) depend on multiple suppliers in order to fully meet their visitors’ needs.
It also shows that some information providers have become de facto standards for the industry. For instance, kbb powers the used-vehicle pricing for multiple sites while Vincentric is a major source for cost of ownership data. Some suppliers have become so ubiquitous that removed them from the chart altogether in order to improve its readability.
- eVox licenses photos and 360 models to Autotrader, Edmunds, jdpower.com, kbb, MSN Autos, NADA Guides, and Vehix.
- NewCarTestDrive supplies vehicle reviews to AOL Autos, AutoTrader, kbb, MSN Autos, NADA Guides, and Vehix.
How to read the chart
The chart is presented in a flowchart format, in which the basic unit is:
This indicates that AutoTrader has a relationship with Edmunds – specifically, Autotrader powers the used inventory functionality for Edmunds.
Tagged with: Third-party
1 comment so far ↓
Very interesting chart.
I agree that the visual representation helps in this case.
Thanks for sharing it.
Leave a Comment