Online trader expands services

Trader Group, owner of autopoint.co.nz and boatpoint.co.nz, has signed a $250,000 deal with Microsoft to expand its online services.

The tie-up will enable the Trader sites to rapidly implement technology that Microsoft is developing for its MSN carpoint.com portal in the United States.

Trader Group says the partnership will also allow it to develop cellphone and web television services. It expects to have 400 dealers signed up by next month.