eBay Adds Automotive Category

Online auction eBay Inc. Monday launched a new category to group the site’s automotive auctions into one area.

The auto area features sub-categories for cars, parts, RVs, trucks and motorcycles. Features include a gallery that enables users to browse items in a series of pictures, a customized personal shopper tool and a featured auction area.

eBay (EBAY) also partnered with collector car company Kruse International to provide “The Showroom,” an area dedicated to the collector car enthusiast. As part of the alliance, eBay and Kruse will co-host the 9th annual Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction Sept. 1 – 7, 1999 at the Kruse Auction Park in Auburn, Ind.

Automotive auctions have been growing in popularity on eBay’s site recently. Sellers are now listing vehicles at a current rate of approximately 1,500 per week, representing growth of 40 percent per month since the fourth quarter 1998, the company said.

Brian Swette, senior vice president of marketing at eBay, said the category launch is intended to make buying and selling autos easier.

“Cars are bought and sold everyday on eBay and now we have a dedicated area for people who are passionate about collecting cars or are looking for an efficient way to buy or sell a vehicle,” Swette said. “Whether you’re interested in a 1969 Jaguar XKE Roadster or a 1995 Ford Explorer, eBay is now the best place to go online.”

As more Internet users become comfortable with online purchases, eBay is pushing more big ticket items such as cars and trucks. The site has been plagued with technical glitches recently however, the most recent being an outage lasting more than 24 hours on Aug. 6th.