Google launches Vehicle Ads in UK

Vehicle ads, a new digital advertising format, will become available to all advertisers in the United Kingdom starting October 2024, according to an announcement made by Google in September 2024. This expansion marks a significant development for the automotive industry in the UK, offering new opportunities for car dealers and manufacturers to reach potential customers online.

What Are Vehicle Ads?

Vehicle ads are a performance-focused, omnichannel advertising format designed specifically for the automotive industry. These ads allow auto advertisers to promote their entire inventory of vehicles to interested customers shopping for cars on Google.com.

Key features of vehicle ads include:

• Visual presentation: Each ad displays an image of the car being advertised.
• Detailed information: Ads include essential details such as make, model, price, and mileage.
• Direct linking: Clicking on a vehicle ad takes the customer to the Vehicle Description Page (VDP) on the advertiser's website.
• Conversion focus: The format is designed to drive both online leads and in-person dealership visits.

How Vehicle Ads Work

To utilize vehicle ads, UK advertisers will need to follow these steps:

1. Upload vehicle data feeds to Google Merchant Center
2. Create Performance Max campaigns in Google Ads
3. Link Google Ads accounts to Merchant Center and Google Business Profile

The vehicle data feeds must contain detailed information about each car, including specifications like make, model, price, mileage, and color. Google uses this data to match customer searches with the most relevant vehicle listings.

Impact on the UK Auto Market

The introduction of vehicle ads in the UK market is expected to have several implications for the automotive industry:

1. Enhanced digital presence: Dealers and manufacturers can showcase their inventory more effectively online.
2. Targeted advertising: The format allows for more precise targeting of potential car buyers.
3. Competitive advantage: Early adopters may gain an edge in the digital automotive marketplace.
4. Shift in marketing strategies: UK auto advertisers may need to adjust their digital marketing approaches to incorporate this new format.

Limitations and Requirements

While the launch of vehicle ads presents new opportunities, there are some limitations and requirements to note:

• Vehicle types: Only non-commercial passenger vehicles, such as cars and pickup trucks, are eligible for this ad format.
• Excluded vehicles: Recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles are not permitted.
• Dealer requirements: Advertisers must have valid dealership licenses in the regions where they operate.
• Inventory restrictions: Only vehicles available for sale or lease are supported; subscription models are not eligible.
• Title requirements: All advertised vehicles must have a clean title.

Future Expansion

According to Google's announcement, the availability of vehicle ads will expand to more countries at a later date. This phased rollout suggests that Google is carefully monitoring the performance and impact of the ad format as it enters new markets.

Key Points

• Vehicle ads will be available to all UK advertisers starting October 2024.
• The ad format displays car images and details directly in Google search results.
• Advertisers must upload vehicle data feeds to Google Merchant Center and use Performance Max campaigns.
• Only non-commercial passenger vehicles are eligible for this ad format.
• The launch in the UK is part of a broader expansion, with more countries to follow.