Is reliable data and smart software essential?
Digitalisation, electrification, data dependency and intense margin pressure are reshaping how motor factors, e-commerce platforms and workshops alike operate. In this new landscape, reliable data, smarter software and connected ecosystems have become essential infrastructure rather than optional tools, according to Infopro Digital Automotive.
Infopro Digital Automotive is confident it has positioned itself at the centre of these changes. Operating in 35 countries and tracing its origins back to 1947, the company has evolved into a provider of technical data, catalogue technology, workflow software and digital services used across the global aftermarket.
Expanding UK capabilities
The company’s presence in the UK has grown through a series of acquisitions: HaynesPro – long associated with repair information used by workshops – became part of the group several years ago, bringing with it the OATS lubricant database, widely adopted by oil brands and repairers for vehicle-specific recommendations.
DriveRightData, known for its tyre and wheel fitment datasets, is also part of the group. Its information underpins a segment experiencing online growth and increased product complexity. More recently, Infopro Digital Automotive acquired Eucon, a data-intelligence and pricing specialist whose tools are used by manufacturers and distributors to improve catalogue accuracy and optimise portfolio decisions.
Alongside its expanding portfolio, the organisation has been restructured under a revised leadership team, including Darryl Watts as managing director for AUKUS, Will Scott as commercial director for AUKUS, and Andrew Round – formerly of DriveRightData – appointed as UK general manager.
The group has reported that it now covers 97% of the UK vehicle parc and draws from eight global research and development centres.
Global reach with local commitment
Infopro Digital Automotive argued that the aftermarket is navigating rising customer expectations, intensified competition and an increasingly complex vehicle landscape. Solutions that support accurate product matching, integrated workflows and multi-channel ordering are becoming more central to everyday business operations, the company continued.
Its strategy combines internationally developed tools with localised data and workflows designed for the UK market.
Infopro Digital Automotive Product Build, ITDEV, Marketing and Innovation Director, Fabrice Contrel, said: “Our ambition at Infopro Digital Automotive is simple: to give the UK aftermarket the data, tools and digital platforms it needs to stay one step ahead. By combining our global technology with strong local expertise, we’re helping automotive businesses turn complexity into competitive advantage.”
This hybrid structure seeks to balance global scale with the practical requirements of UK workshops, distributors and e-commerce operators – from vehicle-specific repair procedures to domestic parc variations and local trading conditions.
An end-to-end approach
The breadth of Infopro Digital Automotive’s portfolio positions it to serve multiple areas of the aftermarket supply chain – from OEMs and manufacturers to factors, buying groups and workshops. Its platforms and datasets span several domains:
Vehicle search, VIO data and vehicle information services: Tools supporting accurate VRM/VIN matching and analysis of the vehicle parc help businesses refine stocking strategies and improve product compatibility.
Technical data and repair information: SMR data, diagnostics, wiring diagrams and labour times cover the vast majority of UK passenger and LCV applications. With EV and ADAS systems proliferating, access to verified repair data is becoming central to workshop practice.
Lubricant data and recommendations: OATS’ structured recommendations continue to be used by lubricant suppliers and workshops to reduce mis-specification. It standardises sales conversations and reduces the risk of incorrect advice.
Tyre and wheel fitment data: DriveRightData’s cataloguing information supports both physical distributors and digital platforms, where accuracy directly influences conversion rates.
Parts catalogue data, PIM and workflow tools: A suite of SaaS systems, including ETAI parts catalogue data, PIM, ERP/DMS integrations, e-commerce support and analytics – reflecting the sector’s growing reliance on digital infrastructure.
What are the implications?
Connected and accurate data ecosystems can influence several areas of performance, including:
Product accuracy: Reducing returns and avoiding mis-supplied parts
Customer experience: Faster access to correct information and smoother ordering processes
Operational efficiency: Integrated workflows mean less admin, complexity and costs
Digital capability: Improved e-commerce, online catalogues and integrated branch systems
Coverage breadth: Access to information spanning mechanical parts, lubricants, tyres, wheels, EV and ADAS – from one partner
Preparation for future technologies: Ongoing research and development supports adaptation to evolving vehicle architectures
Looking ahead
Infopro Digital Automotive wants to lead change; the company wants to deliver smarter data, more connected software and intuitive tools that make every part of the supply chain more efficient.
The company’s development priorities include more accurate diagnostics, deeper integration with workshop systems, enriched data for EVs and ADAS, scalable cloud-based software, enhanced intelligence for independents and buying groups, and digital tools designed to reduce administrative workload while supporting stronger profitability.
As market pressures intensify, Infopro Digital Automotive aims to ensure that customers have the digital foundations required to operate effectively and remain competitive.
With nearly eight decades to rely on, Infopro Digital Automotive is confident it is uniquely positioned to help navigate the future with confidence. From technical data to e-commerce enablement, from lubricants to tyres and wheels, the company promises to invest, evolve and expand – with the same objective: “To deliver practical, high-performance solutions that make aftermarket businesses stronger, faster and more competitive.”
