Mobile advertising is penetrating the global auto advertising segment, but its evolution to ‘social-mobile’ services is already under way.

Social-mobile is just one auto advertising industry transformation documented in a new report published by the AIM Group, 2012 Global Classifieds Annual. The report shows how leading automotive classifieds sites are gaining market share by adding and improving tools for mobile use.

The use of Facebook, apps for IPhones and Android phones, and mobile versions of auto classified websites are all fast-growing trends that are changing auto advertising for the better. And, other classified sectors are sure to follow suit.

One Danish auto portal covered in the AIM Group report is working with responsive design, putting the company ahead of the curve. The website sniffs the difference between platforms – such as computer screen, tablet or smartphone – and rearranges its layout to suit the user’s experience.

“If you think about what your customers are already doing with their phones and tablets, you really can’t afford to ignore the trend of social-mobile,” said Jim Townsend, principal of the AIM Group and editorial director of the report. “Incorporating social-media tools like Facebook, user reviews and social sharing of information into auto advertising is the direction every publisher needs to go.”

The 107-page profiles leading auto classified sites worldwide with detailed analyses of 28 countries. It includes over 30 charts and graphics. Details from AIMgoup.com.

“This report shows the most critical steps that automotive listing sites need to ensure they stay in the lead,” said Peter M. Zollman, founding principal of AIM Group. “More important, we show how it’s being done and we offer the best practices for other ad publishers to learn from in order to begin solid implementation.”