Citygate parent acquires imaging software house, launches Auto.Works

A team of industry heavyweights is to lead Citygate Holdings’ new Auto.Works venture which is aiming to transform the online presentation of new and used vehicles.

Robert Hazelwood, former MD of BCA UK, CEO of Inchcape Retail, and head of Volkswagen and Skoda UK brands, will lead Auto.Works while Matt Benns, former director at Keyloop and head of business roles at Volkswagen UK, Seat, and Mazda, will serve as chief operating officer.

Auto.Works will offer an end-to-end solution, designed to provide OEMs, retailers, and leasing companies with a high-quality and efficient online digital marketing platform.

The new business integrates the proven UK-built turntable and imaging solutions from the acquired AutoLoadit business with a new team of experts in strategy, digital technology, data management, and retail.

Robert Hazelwood commenting on the launch, said: "In the UK alone, over 9 million new and used cars were sold last year. Efficiently marketing these vehicles is crucial for manufacturers and retailers. The Auto.Works solution simplifies and accelerates the traditional marketing process."

Auto.Works will receive support from the Citygate Holdings board, which includes Jonathan Smith, owner of Citygate and former divisional director of H R Owen; Connor McCormack, CEO of UTAC and past CEO of Inchcape Retail; Sarah Sillars, former CEO and executive chairman of IMI and Graham Wheeler, former CEO of Volkswagen Financial Services.

Currently operating in 26 countries, Auto.Works already supports European retailers, car supermarkets, and leasing companies in scaling online presence.

Using Auto.Works technology, over 100,000 high-definition images are captured daily, with more than 18,000 vehicles being listed online each month.

Matt Benns, Auto.Works COO, said: "We provide a comprehensive solution with turntable technology, colour-perfect lighting studios, and handheld imaging apps to produce the highest quality images and videos. Our data management portal ensures the seamless, automated collection, collation, and transfer of data across multiple websites."

Pictured: Robert Hazelwood and Matt Benns