Trade Me has announced an exciting joint venture with CarExpert.com.au, aimed at providing a seamless new-car buying journey for New Zealanders.  

Since 2020,  CarExpert.com.au has grown to become Australia’s largest new-car destination and marketplace. Leveraging this national success, CarExpert is expanding across the Tasman into New Zealand in 2026, marking a significant milestone in CarExpert’s regional growth strategy. 

Backed by Trade Me’s local market knowledge and investment, through global private equity firm, Apax Partners, CarExpert is launching a dedicated New Zealand website in February. Kiwi audiences will be able to access tailored local reviews, price insights, and high-quality videos, that will be syndicated across Trade Me and Stuff.co.nz to amplify audience reach and brand opportunities in both Australia and New Zealand.

This partnership with Trade Me represents a huge vote of confidence in what has been built at CarExpert. Consumers deserve transparency, trust, and genuine advice when it comes to buying a new car — and now that experience will become a reality for New Zealanders.

The partnership also lays the groundwork for future collaboration with local dealerships and distributors, enabling a seamless new-car buying journey for consumers in New Zealand.

CarExpert CEO, Damon Reilly adds, “New Zealand’s car market is at a really exciting inflection point, particularly with the rapid shift toward electrification. 

"Whether consumers are looking for a petrol, hybrid or full-electric vehicle, they’re literally spoilt for choice when it comes to buying a car — with more makes, models, and engine types available than ever before.

"However, greater options add increased complexity to the car buying process. At CarExpert, we aim to simplify that journey by helping consumers cut through the noise and find the right car at the right price.

“With Trade Me’s support and in-depth understanding of the local market, we’ll be able to offer New Zealanders the same high-quality, data-driven, and entertaining car content that has resonated so strongly here in Australia.”

According to Trade Me CEO, Anders Skoe, the investment is an important step in Trade Me’s strategy to strengthen its new car offering. Owing to the fact CarExpert has built a trusted brand with deeply engaged audiences in Australia, Anders is excited to partner with Alborz, Damon and the team to bring that same expertise and energy to New Zealand.

Trade Me's investment will also fund CarExpert’s ongoing development in AI-driven tools, video production, and editorial expansion, in line with CarExpert's international growth strategy into 2026 and beyond.