The future of the automotive industry is built together: data, digitalization, and cooperation as drivers of industry development 

The automotive industry has changed rapidly in recent years. The new car market is challenging, the importance of used cars is growing, and digitalization is transforming the purchasing journey and operating models of car dealerships. Simultaneously, the industry is consolidating, and professionalism is emphasized: actors who have reliable data, clear processes, and compatible systems at their disposal are best able to react to changes.

The automotive market is evolving in several directions simultaneously. A common situational awareness and a sustainable future are best created when observations are shared and reflected upon together with all industry players.

The role of used cars and the challenges of imported cars

The trade in used cars has become a central part of car dealerships’ strategy. Trade-in cars represent the most significant source of profitability and growth for many operators, and their efficient acquisition, pricing, and sale require systematic approaches and reliable information.

“Approximately 50,000 used cars are imported into Finland annually through car dealerships, which highlights the need for comparable and high-quality imported car data. This is also one of our development priorities for this year,” says Heikki Huttunen, Business Director of Alma Marketplaces Mobility unit.

In a consolidating market, those who have functional processes, compatible tools, and the ability to make decisions based on up-to-date data will succeed.

Trust is built on transparency. In the used car trade, transparent information about the car’s condition, history, and financing options is crucial for the buyer to feel that the transaction is secure. Information related to imported cars particularly sparks discussion.

“Fact-based, comparable information is valuable for the entire market and its operators,” Huttunen describes.

From interoperable solutions to comprehensive services

Alma’s digital solutions are evolving from individual marketplaces towards comprehensive service packages that cover the entire value chain of car sales, from acquisition and pricing to marketing and transaction completion. In this context, common reference data and compatible systems are crucial, as they reduce manual work and improve process quality.

In B2B auction services, efficiency and clear processes are key. Clear roles and dashboards support professional car acquisition and inventory management, and related development proceeds in close cooperation with buyers and sellers.

Artificial intelligence offers opportunities to transform large data masses into practically usable information. Its role in Alma’s automotive services is seen particularly in enhancing processes and producing information to support decision-making. For example, in auction systems, AI-powered summaries help buyers grasp the overall picture and sellers to target communication more effectively.

“It is important to approach AI by experimenting and learning, and to utilize practical feedback to guide development,” Huttunen describes.

Towards a sustainable future through cooperation

The future of motoring is built through cooperation. When industry expertise, responsible data, and digital services combine, solutions emerge that work in everyday life and support sustainable growth. Such development requires openness and a culture of experimentation, as well as platforms where observations are shared and new operating models are tested. Compatible systems and shared data banks reduce manual work, improve process quality, and accelerate learning.

Alma Media acts as a partner in the automotive sector, offering insightful data, tools, and meeting platforms, so that market changes can create opportunities for more sustainable and competitive business.

Read more https://www.almamobility.fi/ 

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