How long does setup take?

Registration takes under 2 minutes. Once you forward the integration email to your DMS provider, they typically configure the feed within 1–3 business days.

What data fields are required in the stock feed?

Only three fields are strictly required: title, listing_url, and price. However, we strongly recommend including make, model, year, mileage, fuel, transmission, images, and description.

What format does the stock feed use?

JSON payloads sent via HTTP POST. The API key is sent as an X-Dealer-Api-Key header.

Is there a limit on how many vehicles I can list?

No cap on total vehicles. Each API request supports up to 500 listings. For larger inventories, use feed sessions.

How often should the stock feed run?

Ideally whenever stock changes. If scheduled, every 15 minutes to 1 hour. Listings auto-expire after 24 hours if not refreshed.

How do we remove sold vehicles?

Use 'full_replace' mode — send your entire current inventory and any vehicles not in the batch are removed. Or simply stop including the sold vehicle — it auto-expires after 24 hours.

Yes, genuinely free. No listing fees, no per-lead charges, no commission on sales, and no subscription.

What DMS providers are compatible?

Any DMS or website provider that can send an HTTP POST request with JSON data. This includes Codeweavers, Spidersnet, GForces, Autoweb Design, and many others.

We have multiple dealership sites — do we need separate API keys?

Yes, we recommend each physical site or distinct website registers separately with its own API key.

The Free Alternative to AutoTrader & Motors.co.uk — Dealer Signup Guide

List your entire stock for free — no commission, no listing fees. Get your vehicles in front of millions of car buyers through Google, AI search engines, and our growing platform.

Why Dealers Choose Carslink.ai

Massive Online Visibility: Your stock is indexed by Google, Bing, and AI search engines — reaching buyers who search using ChatGPT, Perplexity, and more.
Direct Traffic to Your Website: Every listing links directly to YOUR website. No middlemen, no third-party listings pages.
100% Free — No Commission: No subscription fees, no per-lead charges, no commission on sales.
AI-Powered Search: Buyers describe what they want in plain English and our AI matches them to your stock.
Reach New Buyers: Tap into buyers who use AI assistants and modern search.
Set It and Forget It: Once your DMS is connected, your stock updates automatically.

How It Works

Complete the Registration Form: Fill in your business details — Business Name, DMS/Website Provider, Contact Name and Role, Email, Phone, Address, VAT and Company Number (optional). Takes under 2 minutes.
Receive Your API Key: Your unique API key is generated instantly and emailed to you with the endpoint URL and a ready-to-use cURL command.
Set Up Your Stock Feed: Forward the integration email to your DMS provider. They configure an automated HTTP POST feed.
Your Listings Go Live: Vehicles appear on Carslink.ai within minutes, indexed by Google, Bing, and AI agents, with every listing linking to your website.

API Integration Guide

Endpoint & Credentials

The API endpoint URL, API key, and a ready-to-use cURL command are all included in the registration email. The API uses HTTP POST with JSON payload. The dealer's API key is sent as an X-Dealer-Api-Key header.

JSON Schema

{
  "mode": "full_replace",
  "listings": [
    {
      "title": "2021 BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport",
      "make": "BMW",
      "model": "3 Series",
      "variant": "320d M Sport",
      "year": 2021,
      "price": 28995,
      "mileage": 24500,
      "fuel": "Diesel",
      "transmission": "Automatic",
      "colour": "Black Sapphire",
      "body_type": "Saloon",
      "location": "Manchester",
      "image_url": "https://yoursite.com/images/bmw-320d.jpg",
      "listing_url": "https://yoursite.com/stock/bmw-320d-m-sport",
      "description": "Full service history, one owner..."
    }
  ]
}

Required Fields

title, listing_url, price, make, model, year, mileage, fuel, transmission, image_url, description

Recommended Fields

variant, colour, body_type, location, region, condition, source_id, mode

Feed Modes

Set "mode": "full_replace" to send your entire inventory — any vehicles NOT in the batch are automatically removed. Default mode is "partial" — only adds/updates sent vehicles. Listings auto-expire after 24 hours if not refreshed.

Large Inventories (500+ vehicles)

Use feed sessions: add "feed_session_id" to each batch, set "final": false on all but the last, and "final": true on the final batch.

Multi-Site Dealer Groups

Each physical site or separate website should register individually with its own API key.

Image Hosting Requirements

Images must be publicly accessible via HTTPS
Hotlink protection must allow our servers
Use permanent URLs, not signed/temporary URLs
Minimum 800px wide. Formats: JPEG, PNG, WebP

Our Integration Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does setup take?: Registration takes under 2 minutes. DMS providers typically configure the feed within 1–3 business days.
What data fields are required?: Only title, listing_url, and price are strictly required. We strongly recommend including make, model, year, mileage, fuel, transmission, images, and description.
What format does the stock feed use?: JSON payloads sent via HTTP POST. The API key is sent as an X-Dealer-Api-Key header.
Is there a limit on vehicles?: No cap. Each request supports up to 500 listings. For larger inventories, use feed sessions.
How often should the feed run?: Ideally whenever stock changes. Minimum once per day. Listings auto-expire after 24 hours.
How do sold vehicles get removed?: Use "full_replace" mode or let them auto-expire after 24 hours.
Is this really free?: Yes — no listing fees, no per-lead charges, no commission, no subscription.
What DMS providers are compatible?: Any provider that can send an HTTP POST with JSON — including Codeweavers, Spidersnet, GForces, Autoweb Design, and many others.
Multiple sites — separate API keys?: Yes, each site should register individually with its own API key.