ATLANTA, Sept. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Life happens one car search at a time. That's the core idea behind two new commercials from Autotrader, the most-visited car shopping site. The new spots reflect a shift in how Millennials relate to brands and the car shopping process. According to Autotrader research, Millennials spend an average of 17 hours shopping for a vehicle, with much of that time spent online researching their intended purchase.

"How consumers discover a product is becoming just as important as the product itself," said John Kovac, senior vice president of Marketing for Cox Automotive which owns Autotrader. "While these new commercials embody that principle, that mindset is at the core of our brand and is transforming the way we do business. We believe you can love the experience of searching for your perfect car just as much as finding it."

The first new spot – "The Journey" – follows the mishaps a young man encounters when courting what turns out to be his future wife. The second spot – "One Search" tells the story of a young woman who decides to leave the security of her small hometown to find new career opportunities in the city. Autotrader features like saved searches, text alerts and search filtering are naturally woven into each spot as the characters discover cars to suit the new stages in their lives.

"Cars are more than just things to us, they represent moments and memories," said Josh DiMarcantonio, executive creative director at Zambezi, the creative agency who developed the spots. "We were inspired to show that in these commercials -- they're characters in those crossroads of our lives."

According to Autotrader's Millennial Study, Millennials are more likely than older generations to purchase a new car due to a change in lifestyle. The study also shows Millennials who have experienced life events including getting married, buying a home and becoming parents are more likely to own a car than those who haven't.

"While the commercials portray Millennials, car shoppers of all ages can relate these stories to unique milestones in their own lives," said Jessica Stafford, vice president of consumer marketing for Autotrader. "Whether you're searching for your first car or your fifth, Autotrader is there as a matchmaker to make the journey easier and more fun."

"The Journey" will make its debut Sept. 5 during the CBS SEC Pre-Game show: "Autotrader College Football Today." "One Search" will launch on Oct. 1. To view the ads, visit Autotrader's YouTube channel: youtube.com/autotrader.

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today’s empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive marketing solutions guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience.

Autotrader is wholly owned by Cox Automotive which owns Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com^®), Manheim Auctions, Dealertrack^® and a portfolio of software companies that optimize inventory and advertising online. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

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SOURCE Autotrader