UK Automotive Online Car Retailers - PPC Market Share Analysis August 2026

Leveraging Adthena’s Whole Market View, this analysis explores recent trends in Google Ads for the UK Online Car Retailers category from the last month. Our Data Analyst, Ask Arlo provides commentary on key findings.

Online Car Retailers – UK

Google AI Overview visibility for Automotive Online Car Retailers UK

See how often AIOs appear and how search intent is distributed across buying signals.

AIO Frequency

How often a Google AI overview appears on search terms relevant to this category.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 21.4469922837
78.5530077163
21%

Complex Query Frequency

A complex query is a longer, more detailed search that often contains multiple keywords, specific conditions, or multi-part questions.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 55
45
55%

Search Intent Distribution

Breakdown of search queries by their underlying goal.

Intent Distribution
Investigational 23%
Transactional 44%
Navigational 7%
Seasonal 0%
Local 2%
Problem Solving 4%

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Market Exposure

Share of Clicks for top 10 UK Automotive Online Car Retailers brands

Here are the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Clicks for the last month.

Share of Clicks - Last month
Share of Clicks - Last month
Domain Share of clicks
autotrader.co.uk 32.57
webuyanycar.com 23.73
carwow.co.uk 13.09
cargurus.co.uk 3.76
pistonheads.com 3.52
motorway.co.uk 3.47
arnoldclark.com 2
cinch.co.uk 1.42
volvocars.com 0.87
copart.co.uk 0.83
others 14.74
  • autotrader.co.uk - 32.57%
  • webuyanycar.com - 23.73%
  • carwow.co.uk - 13.09%
  • cargurus.co.uk - 3.76%
  • pistonheads.com - 3.52%
  • motorway.co.uk - 3.47%
  • arnoldclark.com - 2%
  • cinch.co.uk - 1.42%
  • volvocars.com - 0.87%
  • copart.co.uk - 0.83%
  • others - 14.74%

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In the competitive landscape of Google’s PPC, AutoTrader.co.uk leads with 32.57% click share, followed by WeBuyAnyCar.com at 23.73%. ‘Others’ collectively hold 14.74%, showcasing diverse competition.

Market Exposure

Share of Spend for the top 10 UK Automotive Online Car Retailers brands

Curious about your market position? Here you can see the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Spend for the last month. 

Share of Spend - Last Month
Share of Spend - Last Month
Date webuyanycar.com carwow.co.uk motorway.co.uk bestcarbuyer.co.uk autotrader.co.uk arnoldclark.com cargurus.co.uk cashforcars.co.uk cardaddys.co.uk cinch.co.uk
2026/08/01 36.95% 21.02% 10.78% 0.01% 4.31% 1.69% 3.9% 2.01% 0.94% 1.23%
2026/08/02 34.25% 19.17% 12.16% 0.61% 5.06% 2.01% 2.42% 3.43% 1.4% 1.2%
2026/08/03 41.66% 18.6% 9.68% 1.05% 3.86% 2.87% 3.2% 2.11% 1.07% 1.38%
2026/08/04 30.71% 17.4% 11.51% 2.99% 4.55% 2.55% 3.87% 1.34% 1.73% 1.84%
2026/08/05 28.86% 16.07% 14.11% 4.4% 5.81% 2.46% 2.56% 1.95% 2.88% 1.37%
2026/08/06 31.12% 17.37% 14.29% 2.51% 5.76% 2.69% 1.24% 1.11% 1.55% 1.56%
2026/08/07 40.92% 14.84% 14.19% 2.46% 3.15% 1.85% 1.56% 1.09% 1.68% 1.02%
2026/08/08 38.1% 22.48% 11.89% 0.01% 3.19% 1.73% 1.76% 0.36% 0.42% 1.47%
2026/08/09 35.16% 18.28% 14.7% 0.52% 4.01% 2.45% 2.25% 3.21% 0.78% 1%
2026/08/10 32.27% 20.9% 11.45% 4.25% 5.26% 2.68% 2.26% 0.78% 2.21% 1.33%
2026/08/11 43.11% 15.98% 9.81% 3.05% 3.52% 2% 2.12% 1.97% 1.2% 1.33%
2026/08/12 34.93% 19.49% 10.8% 2.45% 5.51% 2.09% 4.81% 0.92% 1.52% 1.17%
2026/08/13 33.55% 13.69% 11.52% 2.75% 8.54% 2.32% 4.01% 0.49% 1.99% 1.24%
2026/08/14 36.88% 16.77% 11.95% 2.61% 5.65% 1.67% 2.04% 1.04% 1.66% 1.11%
2026/08/15 41.48% 13.84% 9.65% 1.02% 4.84% 1.81% 2.31% 1.72% 2.44% 1.16%
2026/08/16 33.38% 19.17% 10.53% 2.56% 4.16% 1.66% 1.91% 2.42% 1.9% 1.58%
2026/08/17 37.81% 15.21% 11.72% 3.88% 3.9% 2.28% 2.18% 0.94% 1.83% 1.79%
2026/08/18 44.3% 16.69% 9.23% 2.75% 3.13% 1.72% 1.89% 2.27% 1.53% 1.27%
2026/08/19 41.46% 16.49% 10.11% 4.96% 3.5% 2.27% 1.9% 0.41% 2.1% 1.09%
2026/08/20 44.9% 13.89% 11.37% 4.3% 3.74% 1.31% 1.86% 0.49% 2.35% 0.81%
2026/08/21 36.88% 14.18% 13.18% 0.28% 4.26% 2.6% 1.97% 2.73% 2.04% 1.55%
2026/08/22 36.43% 12.78% 13.66% 0.04% 4.09% 3.14% 1.67% 2.49% 1.8% 1.52%
2026/08/23 34.28% 12.87% 11.93% 1.84% 4.8% 2.89% 1.62% 3.16% 1.1% 1.21%
2026/08/24 41.51% 14.71% 8.85% 3.74% 4.46% 3.18% 1.8% 1.46% 0.74% 1.05%
2026/08/25 26.24% 16.69% 10.8% 2.33% 6.17% 4% 3.88% 1.8% 3.56% 1.1%
2026/08/26 34% 15.69% 8.55% 5.75% 5.89% 2.37% 3.48% 0.8% 1.32% 1.65%
2026/08/27 29.34% 18.21% 12.93% 2.2% 4.82% 2.23% 3.78% 1.34% 1.3% 1.97%
2026/08/28 36.46% 14.89% 10.69% 0.05% 4.62% 3.89% 2.91% 3.35% 0.9% 1.82%
2026/08/29 40.15% 13.25% 11.34% 0% 3.71% 3.91% 2.73% 2.83% 0.33% 1.2%
2026/08/30 32.51% 13.74% 11.88% 0.01% 4.08% 3.2% 4.39% 1.2% 1.97% 1.65%
2026/08/31 37.85% 15.24% 10.86% 6.28% 3.14% 2.51% 2.45% 1.55% 1.13% 1%
  • webuyanycar.com
  • carwow.co.uk
  • motorway.co.uk
  • bestcarbuyer.co.uk
  • autotrader.co.uk
  • arnoldclark.com
  • cargurus.co.uk
  • cashforcars.co.uk
  • cardaddys.co.uk
  • cinch.co.uk

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In August 2026, webuyanycar.com led with fluctuating spend shares, peaking at 44.90%. Carwow.co.uk saw a decline, while motorway.co.uk maintained stability. Bestcarbuyer.co.uk ended with a notable rise, reaching 6.28%.

Market Exposure

Competitor Count for UK Automotive Online Car Retailers

Ever wondered how many competitors you’re up against in your industry? Well look no further, here we can see the number of advertisers bidding over the last month. 

Competitor Count - Last month
Competitor Count - Last month
Date Competitor Count
2026/08/01 233
2026/08/02 249
2026/08/03 253
2026/08/04 259
2026/08/05 268
2026/08/06 258
2026/08/07 241
2026/08/08 225
2026/08/09 222
2026/08/10 251
2026/08/11 265
2026/08/12 275
2026/08/13 285
2026/08/14 271
2026/08/15 246
2026/08/16 254
2026/08/17 246
2026/08/18 246
2026/08/19 243
2026/08/20 246
2026/08/21 229
2026/08/22 230
2026/08/23 225
2026/08/24 226
2026/08/25 260
2026/08/26 261
2026/08/27 265
2026/08/28 254
2026/08/29 222
2026/08/30 222
2026/08/31 228

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August saw a dynamic shift in advertisers, peaking at 285 on the 13th. The month concluded with a slight dip, ending at 228.

Campaign Efficiency

Market Loss & Market Gains for UK Automotive Online Car Retailers

Here we’re looking at the Top 10 biggest industry movers by market share gains and losses for the last 30 days.

Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Name Market Trend
autotrader.co.uk 5.27%
arnoldclark.com 0.56%
tradecentreuk.com 0.29%
polestar.com 0.24%
copart.co.uk 0.21%
cargurus.co.uk -0.37%
motorway.co.uk -0.61%
pistonheads.com -0.95%
webuyanycar.com -1.3%
carwow.co.uk -1.98%

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AutoTrader.co.uk surged with a 5.27% click share increase, while Carwow.co.uk dropped by 1.98%. ArnoldClark.com gained 0.56%, contrasting with Webuyanycar.com’s 1.3% decline.

Campaign Efficiency

UK Automotive Online Car Retailers Share of Impressions

Take a look at the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Impressions over the last month.

Date carwow.co.uk autotrader.co.uk webuyanycar.com motorway.co.uk cargurus.co.uk bestcarbuyer.co.uk arnoldclark.com volvocars.com cinch.co.uk pistonheads.com
2026/08/01 18.42% 10.83% 10.71% 9.35% 11.24% 0% 1.79% 1.68% 3.29% 2.52%
2026/08/02 16.84% 14.16% 9.95% 12.44% 7.29% 0.28% 2.49% 1.19% 2.41% 1.64%
2026/08/03 16.85% 14.11% 12.03% 9.21% 8.77% 1.03% 3.05% 1.49% 2.95% 2.74%
2026/08/04 12.61% 14.81% 7.48% 11.04% 9.48% 2.94% 3.13% 1.45% 3.4% 1.07%
2026/08/05 11.45% 17.26% 7.48% 12.47% 6.14% 3.73% 3.46% 3.12% 2.4% 1.8%
2026/08/06 11.49% 16.81% 9.37% 13.44% 3.58% 2.1% 3.85% 3.39% 2.85% 2.75%
2026/08/07 13.26% 11.94% 12.78% 15.6% 5.07% 2.19% 2.73% 2.8% 1.85% 2.69%
2026/08/08 20.93% 11.9% 11.29% 11.15% 5.77% 0% 2.07% 3.25% 3.35% 2.63%
2026/08/09 14.88% 13.88% 11.77% 11.85% 6.44% 0.36% 3.22% 3.58% 1.95% 2.29%
2026/08/10 18.39% 13.25% 9.27% 11.69% 7.25% 4.49% 2.25% 4% 2.24% 2.26%
2026/08/11 13.7% 11.75% 14.39% 10.52% 6.73% 3.74% 3.05% 3.29% 2.96% 1.81%
2026/08/12 14.96% 15.97% 10.71% 9.65% 13.87% 2.68% 2.46% 1.7% 2.27% 2.2%
2026/08/13 9.46% 19.82% 9.43% 9.84% 9.62% 2.87% 3.06% 1.83% 2.03% 1.26%
2026/08/14 12.22% 18.78% 10.34% 11.23% 6.35% 2.63% 2.26% 3.17% 2.08% 2.33%
2026/08/15 11.6% 17.28% 12.47% 8.67% 6.64% 1.18% 2.07% 3.46% 2.26% 2.79%
2026/08/16 13.92% 14.64% 10.08% 8.53% 6.02% 2.59% 2.77% 3.15% 2.5% 2.12%
2026/08/17 12.13% 13.88% 11.45% 10.21% 6.63% 4.66% 2.72% 2.64% 3.43% 1.81%
2026/08/18 14.53% 9.99% 14.1% 10.23% 6.39% 3.75% 1.96% 2.86% 2.7% 1.55%
2026/08/19 13.98% 14.92% 13.33% 8.72% 6.81% 6.05% 3.47% 4.24% 1.9% 0.88%
2026/08/20 11.5% 13.45% 14.09% 12.31% 6.14% 5.52% 2.34% 2.99% 1.58% 1.96%
2026/08/21 11.86% 14.56% 9.47% 12.42% 5.58% 0.12% 2.97% 4.51% 2.85% 1.04%
2026/08/22 9.08% 14.48% 10.21% 12.34% 4.82% 0.01% 3.71% 3.55% 2.73% 1.83%
2026/08/23 8.01% 16.49% 8.67% 8.88% 4.37% 1.41% 4.24% 3.09% 2.16% 4.51%
2026/08/24 9.99% 20.83% 11.04% 8.38% 5.56% 3.82% 3.56% 2.89% 1.79% 1.59%
2026/08/25 11.46% 20.68% 6.91% 9.04% 9.52% 1.54% 4.76% 1.75% 1.74% 1.32%
2026/08/26 11.08% 19.99% 9.34% 6.94% 8.38% 6.01% 3.21% 2.36% 2.47% 1.57%
2026/08/27 13.64% 17.12% 7.84% 9.11% 9.55% 1.78% 3.69% 1.46% 3.72% 1.69%
2026/08/28 11.73% 19.16% 9.9% 8.2% 7.38% 0.02% 6.02% 2.71% 3.27% 2.19%
2026/08/29 10.7% 16.83% 12.07% 8.74% 7.84% 0% 5.82% 2.58% 2.14% 1.69%
2026/08/30 10.76% 16.63% 11.21% 8.61% 10.68% 0% 3.94% 2.66% 2.66% 1.9%
2026/08/31 14.37% 13.14% 10.39% 10.1% 7.64% 6.73% 4.57% 2.98% 2.05% 1.71%
  • carwow.co.uk
  • autotrader.co.uk
  • webuyanycar.com
  • motorway.co.uk
  • cargurus.co.uk
  • bestcarbuyer.co.uk
  • arnoldclark.com
  • volvocars.com
  • cinch.co.uk
  • pistonheads.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In August 2026, carwow.co.uk’s impression share fluctuated, peaking at 20.93% on the 8th. Autotrader.co.uk maintained a strong presence, ending at 13.14%. Webuyanycar.com and motorway.co.uk showed moderate stability. Cargurus.co.uk and bestcarbuyer.co.uk had lower shares, while arnoldclark.com and volvocars.com saw slight increases. Cinch.co.uk and pistonheads.com remained consistent.

Campaign Efficiency

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for UK Automotive Online Car Retailers

Ever wondered how your rivals’ ads are doing? Here we can see the top-performing ads in the industry over the last month.

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for UK Automotive Online Car Retailers - Last month
  1. 1
    Used Cars For Sale | Second Hand Cars | Autotrader UK https://www.autotrader.co.uk

    Used cars for sale, including private sales & dealerships near you. Shop in confidence with a free history check & instant price comparison. New & Used Cars Available. Shop Online Now.

  2. 2
    We Will Buy Your Car https://www.bestcarbuyer.co.uk › online-quote

    The UK's Favourite Car Buyers — Will Buy All Cars Under 7 Years Old. Enter Your Reg Online Today With Us! Selling Your Car Has Never Been So Fast, So Get An Online Quote And Instant...

  3. 3
    Enter Reg for free valuation | We collect & pay quickly https://www.carwow.co.uk

    Simple, free online process, home collection, and fast payment. Sell with Carwow

  4. 4
    Free Valuation - Enter Reg https://www.motorway.co.uk

    Get Your Highest Offer — Simply Enter Your Reg To Get A Free Valuation. Find Your Highest Offer On Motorway. Sellers On...

  5. 5
    We Buy Any Car | Free Valuation in 30 Seconds https://www.webuyanycar.com

    Get started by entering your reg number and see how much your car is worth in 30 secs. Selling...

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In the competitive landscape of online car sales, AutoTrader UK stands out with its promise of confidence through free history checks and instant price comparisons. Meanwhile, BestCarBuyer and Carwow emphasize speed and simplicity in selling, offering quick valuations and home collections. Motorway and WeBuyAnyCar focus on maximizing offers and providing rapid valuations, catering to sellers seeking efficiency and value.

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