AutoTrader South Africa has sent out a statement notifying users that it has uncovered a “serious breach of trust” within its corporation.
Certain AutoTrader employees have been approached by dealers offering payments or incentives in exchange for early access to private consumer vehicle listings.
This compromises not only AutoTrader’s ethical standards but also South Africa’s data privacy laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia).
“This conduct is both unethical and illegal,” said AutoTrader.
It said its staff are strictly prohibited from accepting any form of benefit or reward, monetary or otherwise, from any external party.
Furthermore, any dealer found to be engaging in this behaviour risks immediate suspension or termination of services with AutoTrader.
“We are currently conducting a full internal investigation and engaging with the relevant parties,” said the company.
“Disciplinary and legal action will follow where appropriate.”
Where necessary, AutoTrader will refer matters to legal authorities in line with Popia and the Consumer Protection Act.
AutoTrader implored users and dealer partners to report any unethical conduct involving its employees or dealers.
This can be down via the Whistleblower Line (+27 87 256 5400) and over email at [email protected].
“All reports are treated confidentially and can be made anonymously,” said AutoTrader.
“We thank all dealers and staff who continue to uphold the values of transparency, professionalism, and integrity.”
AutoTrader is reviewing its internal processes to prevent future breaches of this kind and ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.
AutoTrader on a roll
The scandal comes at a time when AutoTrader’s business in booming.
In the used-car platform’s recent Annual Car Industry Report – the 18th instalment of the document – it revealed that it currently has over 40 million users in total.
This is equal to about two thirds of the country’s population of 63 million people.
Even more impressive, AutoTrader recorded a staggering 950 million pages opened, 663 million seearches, 390 million advert views, and 129 million total sessions on its website in 2025.
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