Hawkstone Motor Finance Named Exclusive Finance Partner of Carslink.ai

Hawkstone Motor Finance has announced it is the exclusive finance partner for Carslink.ai, the UK’s first AI-native used vehicle search engine, marking a significant step forward in how independent dealers connect with buyers online.

Carslink.ai logo

Carslink.ai launched at the end of March with a bold, dealer-first model. The platform is completely free for independent retailers, with no listing fees, no long-term contracts, and no commission charges. Instead of acting as a middleman, Carslink.ai directs every prospective buyer straight to the dealer’s own website, ensuring retailers retain full control over their customer journey. The platform already boasts 671 active dealers and over 16,092 vehicle listings.

As part of this exclusive launch partnership, Hawkstone Motor Finance will be integrated across vehicle listings. Its presence on vehicle listings gives buyers immediate access to finance options through an instant finance check. Crucially, this comes with no admin fees for dealers, removing friction and cost from the process while enhancing the customer experience.

ChatGPT AI Search Engine

The partnership reflects a shared philosophy between the two companies: empowering independent dealers rather than competing with them. Carslink.ai is purpose-built so listings can be found and cited by AI assistants including ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude. By combining AI-driven search capabilities with transparent, dealer-friendly finance solutions, the collaboration aims to reshape expectations in the used vehicle marketplace.

“This is exactly the kind of partnership we look for,” said Oliver Lewis, Director of Hawkstone Motor Finance. “A platform built around the dealer, not against them. We are proud to be part of it from day one. The partnership operates under Hawkstone's FCA-authorised broker permissions, with Carslink.ai approved by the FCA as an Introducer Appointed Representative, ensuring that compliance and consumer protection is a focal point”.

For independent dealers, the onboarding process is designed to be straightforward. Those interested are encouraged to speak with their Dealer Management System (DMS) provider about integrating their stock with Carslink.ai. In many cases, dealers may already be connected, meaning their inventory could already be live on the platform. If your DMS is not yet integrated, simply email partnerships@carslink.ai for support in getting your stock listed.

With its innovative approach and strong launch partnerships, Carslink.ai is positioning itself as a disruptive force in the UK automotive space, one that prioritises transparency, efficiency, and dealer success from the ground up.