What Types of Vehicles do Google Vehicle Ads Support? A Comprehensive Guide for UK Dealers

Jul 3, 2025
Read time:
- 5 minutes
Categories:
- Guides
- Top Tips

From Cars to Caravans: Understanding Google Vehicle Ads Eligibility for Your Stock

Google Vehicle Ads is transforming the digital marketing landscape for retailers in the motor industry, providing extraordinary visibility directly in search results. But many UK dealers who are still using traditional forms of advertising are unsure whether their specific stock qualifies for this powerful ad tool.

In this comprehensive guide, we here at WeAdvertiseAnyCar explore the full range of vehicle types supported by Google Vehicle Ads (GVA), as well as covering the specific requirements for each vehicle category. Whether you sell vans, caravans, or motorhomes, understanding your eligibility and optimisation options is the key to your campaign’s success!

The Core Vehicle Categories Supported by GVA

Passenger Cars

As you’d expect, cars are the most widely advertised vehicle type on Google Vehicle Ads and include the following:

Standard passenger cars such as hatchbacks, saloons, estates, and coupes
SUVs and crossovers of all sizes - from compact to full-size
Performance vehicles such as sports cars and high-performance variants
Luxury vehicles, including premium brands and high-end models
Electric & hybrid vehicles, including all battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and self-charging hybrid vehicles.

Light Commercial Vehicles

Google Vehicle Ads partly supports a variety of commercial vehicles, proving particularly beneficial for the significant number of UK dealers specialising in this sector:

Vans, such as small, medium, and large panel vans
Pickup trucks from both the commercial and lifestyle-oriented categories
Passenger vans, including minibuses
Work vehicles, such as chassis cab and dropside vans, luton box vans, and tipper vans

Recreational Vehicles

The recreational vehicle sector is also well-supported within Google Vehicle Ads, which includes the following:

Motorhomes, including Class A, B, and C motorhomes (various European classifications)
Campervans, such as factory-built and custom conversions
Caravans - both single-axle and twin-axle models

Specialist Vehicle Categories

Google Vehicle Ads has expanded support for specialist vehicle groups, including agricultural and construction machinery. This includes compact, utility, and agricultural tractors.

While not a separate category on Google's advertising platform, classic vehicles are fully supported, too. These include:

Vintage Cars - Pre-1980s vehicles of all types
Collector's Items - Rare and limited production vehicles
Restored Vehicles - Professionally restored classics
Modern Classics - Emerging collector vehicles from the 1980s-2000s

Vehicle Types with Limited or No Support in GVA

As it stands, there are still vehicle categories that are unsupported by Google Vehicle Ads, for now at least, which we highlight below:

Motorcycles and Powered Two-Wheelers

Standard motorcycles of all styles and engine capacities
Scooters and mopeds, including both combustion and electric models
Sport motorbikes, such as high-performance and racing-oriented motorcycles
Touring and adventure motorbikes, such as long-distance and off-road capable motorcycles
Classic and vintage motorcycles

Large Commercial Vehicles and HGVs

Commercial vehicles weighing over 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes), including Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)
Articulated lorries
Curtain-side trucks
Livestock lorries
Tankers
Refrigerated trucks

Technical Requirements by Vehicle Type

For Google Vehicle Ads to go live, the platform requires a detailed feed of vehicle stock to be added to the dedicated Google Merchant Center. In essence, the more optimised the feed, the better the ad-matching process is.

As such, all supported vehicle types require these core data fields:

Unique vehicle identification (VIN)
Year, make, and model
Price and availability status
Condition (new or used)
Vehicle location
High-quality images (meeting Google's specifications)

As well as the key details listed above, Google also requires the following additional attributes to be added to the relevant categories:

Passenger Cars

Body style
Transmission type
Fuel type
Engine size
Mileage
Colour
Trim level

Light Commercial Vehicles

All passenger car fields
Payload capacity
Load volume
Body configuration
Wheelbase
GVW rating

Recreational Vehicles

All passenger car fields
Berth count (sleeping capacity)
Length
Amenities (bathroom, kitchen, etc.)
Layout type

Image Requirements By Vehicle Type

Google Vehicle Ads has particular image requirements that vary slightly by vehicle category, but in general, you must stick to the following rules, or you run the risk of not having your ads approved:

The primary image must display at least three-quarters of the exterior view
Additional images: Interior views recommended
A minimum of 1000 x 1000 pixels
Ideally, a 3:2 aspect ratio
Clean background
No text overlays or watermarks
No human subjects

Vehicle Category Optimisation Tips

Google's ad platform allows for custom attributes to be added beyond the standard vehicle category fields, such as modification and configuration details (where relevant):

Passenger Cars

Emphasise key selling points like low mileage, service history, and previous owners
Highlight fuel efficiency figures and running costs for economy-focused buyers
Include performance specifications for sports and luxury vehicles
Feature safety ratings and advanced driver assistance systems
Specify trim levels and optional equipment packages
Detail recent maintenance, MOT history, and warranty coverage
Include financing options and part-exchange availability
Highlight unique features like sunroofs, leather seats, or premium sound systems
Mention any modifications or upgrades (alloy wheels, tinted windows, etc.)
For electric/hybrid vehicles, specify charging capabilities and battery warranty

Commercial Vehicles

Outline payload specifications
Highlight business-relevant metrics (such as fuel efficiency and service intervals)
Include common upfitter configurations where applicable
Specify warranty terms and service packages
Where possible, group vehicles by use (such as pickup trucks, panel vans)
Include any modification details or cargo configurations

Recreational Vehicles

Specify the MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass)
Feature lifestyle elements in descriptions
Clearly communicate berth configuration and layout
Highlight unique amenities and technology
Include weight and towing requirement information
Awning specifications, if included

Sell Your Vehicle Stock with a Targeted GVA Campaign

Google Vehicle Ads support a much broader range of vehicles than many UK dealers realise. From traditional passenger cars to specialised commercial vehicles, classic cars, recreational vehicles, and even agricultural machinery, the platform offers powerful advertising opportunities across the automotive spectrum.

For specialised dealers, success typically depends on understanding the specific requirements for your vehicle type, creating optimised data feeds with relevant attributes, and implementing targeted campaign strategies. While some very specialised vehicle categories still have limited support, the continual expansion of Google's capabilities means more dealers can benefit from this powerful advertising channel.

At WeAdvertiseAnyCar, we specialise in helping dealers of all vehicle types implement effective Google Vehicle Ads strategies. Our expertise ensures that whether you sell cars, vans, or motorhomes, you can successfully use this platform to connect with in-market buyers during the initial search stage. Get in touch to find out more.