Mark Robinson, the founder and former-CEO of Vantage Motor Group has taken a stake in the AM Award-winning tech business AutoComms Solutions  to support the business’ growth in the UK and beyond. 

AutoComms Solutions is the tech business behind AutoBuzz, the automated communications platform that manages customers in the new and used car-buying journey  between the point of order and the point of delivery. 

Robinson, who exited Vantage Motor Group in January 2020, will take up an advisory role alongside  his investment. 

He said: “Since exiting Vantage Motor Group I’ve kept a keen eye out for businesses that are forward thinking, solve important problems in the automotive retail space and also have ambitious founders  with absolute clarity on what they want to achieve.

“I found all these things with AutoComms and feel I can accelerate growth with my knowledge and expertise in the retail world.” 

In May, AutoComms Solutions was awarded Best New Product or Service at the AM Awards 2023 for its order to handover solution that judges agreed, “solves an ongoing issue and truly improves the  new car buying experience”. 

The move shortly follows the arrival of two other additional shareholders, ex-retail industry CEO and COO, Andy Bruce and Nigel McMinn.  

“I have a huge amount of respect for Andy and Nigel and am delighted to be working with them on  the growth of AutoComms and its order to delivery communication platform, AutoBuzz,” added  Robinson. 

In his new role within the business, Robinson will advise on strategic direction working directly with  the tech company’s founders Ingram Sanders and Nick Golding.  

Welcoming him to the business’ leadership team, Sanders explained what this new additional  shareholder and advisor will bring to AutoComms Solutions.  

He said: “Mark’s joining at a very exciting time, following the award win we’ve enjoyed additional  attention with many retailers looking to get their brands live on AutoBuzz in time for a busy  September.

“Of course, his experience in retail automotive speaks for itself, from being chairman of  the UK National Toyota Council all the way to building and exiting Vantage. His enthusiasm for our  business and our vision was clear from the start.  

“Our strategy for growth and development roadmap for AutoBuzz, will  be stronger and more powerful as a result of his input. We’re just delighted to have him on board  and to have already started work together.” 

AutoBuzz has been integrated at AM100 dealer groups such as Steven Eagell, JCB Group and Waylands.

Each pilot that AutoBuzz has run has successfully turned into roll outs, often group wide and incorporating used vehicle sales as well as new.