IHS Markit Buys automotiveMastermind

US-based energy and environment intelligence specialist IHS Markit has acquired automotiveMastermind, a provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation software for the US automotive industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2012 by Marco Schnabl and Johannes Gnauck, automotiveMastermind offers cloud-based technology to help dealers predict car-buying behavior, and automates the creation of micro-targeted customer communications. The firm currently works with dealers across fifteen car brands from its headquarters in New York City, and product innovation hub in San Francisco. IHS Markit Chairman and CEO Jerre Stead says the acquisition opens a new market for his company, and increases the firm's presence in the vehicle retail space.

Jonathan Gear, IHS Markit's EVP of Transportation and Resources, comments: 'Through our core automotive assets, which includes CARFAX, we already provide our global automotive customers with a comprehensive suite of information services and analytics. The addition of automotiveMastermind extends our capabilities further, enabling us to deliver a powerful set of tools - including data aggregation and analytics driven by machine learning - that will help OEMs and dealers sell cars more effectively'.

Web sites: www.ihsmarkit.com and www.automotivemastermind.com .