Auto Trader Group plc scores 59/100 (Making progress) on SINK's independent climate assessment — scored from public data only, no company payment can change a number. Last verified October 2026.
That places Auto Trader Group plc joint 16th of 809 companies scored, and 3rd of 19 in Media / Entertainment / Publishing.
Auto Trader has strong operational emissions reduction (30% year-on-year) and renewable energy coverage (99%), backed by SBTi targets and third-party verification. Weaknesses: only one year of clean absolute reduction across the full group; Scope 3 methodology relies on broad EEIO estimates; and the company operates a dominant UK vehicle marketplace facilitating predominantly ICE sales, creating structural complicity in high-emission goods distribution.
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SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleStrongest on Energy Source and Carbon Footprint — Operations (9/10, 7/10). Weakest on Water Impact and Nature & Biodiversity Impact (4/10, 4/10).
11 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“Scope 1: 116 | Scope 2 (location based): 204 | Total (Scopes 1 and 2): 320 [FY2025 tonnes CO₂e]”
“EcoAct has independently assessed and verified Auto Trader's GHG emissions following verification standard ISO 14064-3:2019”
“Our calculations estimate our GHG emissions during the year were 6% lower at c.93.2k tonnes of CO₂ across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 (2024: 98.9k tonnes)”
“All of our offices are on renewable energy tariffs. | % renewable: 99% [FY2025]”
“Reported energy and GHG emissions data is compliant with SECR requirements and has been calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol and SECR guidelines”
“target of reducing our absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 46.2% before 2030 (from a 2023 base year)”
“This year, for the first time the reduction in emissions will form part of our remuneration policy”
“Autotrader has recently introduced a sustainability rating to its new car reviews on the platform”
“Autotrader adds new sustainability rating to editorial car reviews as part of its commitment to help consumers make more environmentally friendly vehicle choices”
“Auto Trader has both near- and long-term Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated targets aligned with the most stretching 1.5°C scenario”
“Auto Trader Group | 2024: C | 2025: B [CDP Climate scores]”
If you believe a source has been misread or a newer version exists, submit a challenge.
Where Auto Trader Group plc sits among media / entertainment / publishing peers.
Among the 19 major media / entertainment / publishing brands we've scored, Auto Trader Group plc sits 3rd of 19.
Auto Trader Group plc's score has moved from 62 to 59 across 3 recorded reviews — down 3 points.
Aggregator sweep, source-fix pass: dead cited URLs re-sourced and broker citations replaced with primaries; re-scored under pinned code 9196601.
Re-classified Ride-hailing / Mobility Platforms[30] -> Media / Entertainment / Publishing[60]; score 41->50
Initial score at platform launch
This score is not currently being contested.
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No challenges submitted yet. If you have evidence that contradicts this score, you can challenge any question above — cite a public source and we'll review it.
Auto Trader is the UK's leading digital marketplace for vehicle sales, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Manchester. The platform connects private sellers, dealers, and buyers, generating revenue primarily through dealer advertising and subscription services. It operates as a media and publishing business within the automotive sector, with subsidiary Autorama providing vehicle financing and lease services.
Peer UK property marketplace; digital transaction platform with operational carbon footprint.
View breakdown →Global e-commerce and classified marketplace; similar scale and digital-first operational model.
View breakdown →Vehicle manufacturer; upstream supplier in auto value chain with direct emissions accountability.
View breakdown →Vehicle manufacturer; major ICE and EV producer; structural parallel to auto marketplace enabled sales.
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