Auto Trader has bought KeeResources, one of its data suppliers, in a move it hopes will help make consumers' car buying experience better.

KeeResources, founded in 2000, provides software, data and services to the automotive industry.

Auto Trader uses KeeResources' detailed vehicle taxonomy dataset for new and used cars to power its vehicle marketing platform.

"KeeResources has been an integral supplier to Auto Trader, as their unique vehicle taxonomy data underpins much of our core platform," said Auto Trader chief executive designate Nathan Coe.

"Strategically we believe it’s important to own and develop such an accurate and valuable data source.

“We see data as a key enabler towards both improving the user experience and digitising the automotive ecosystem, allowing us to make the buying experience better for car buyers and more efficient for retailers.”

KeeResources will continue to operate independently from its current offices, but with access to Auto Trader's resources, said the company.

Denis Keenan, KeeResources chief executive, said: “We are extremely proud to have the quality of our systems, data and people recognised by the UK’s largest automotive marketplace.

"Auto Trader have been clients using our data for some time so joining their wider group is an exciting opportunity to take our business to the next level.”

Last year Auto Trader and Cox Automotive launched a joint venture to combine their respective trade sales platforms under the Dealer Auction brand, and in 2012 Auto Trader bought Deltapoint, a data analysis and market intelligence provider.