There are a lot more cars on the road to value these days. And we deliver values digitally rather than in a print book. But pricing intelligence is still critical to us and to our customers. We use our insight to bring intelligence to customers’ businesses and ensure that they can make the most profitable business decisions.
Three inspirational figures – William Glass, Hanns W. Schwacke and Helmuth H. Lederer – are at the root of our business. Here’s what we have learnt from them over the years.
Enhanced retail solutions
Increased competition, growing online sales and increasing complexity in the vehicle parc is forcing dealers to be ever more savvy in how they buy and sell used cars. The launch of Autovista’s new Sales Solution puts all of Autovista’s data at their fingertips, ensuring that they can focus on servicing their customers.
Completing our geographic reach
Despite its relatively small size, Norway attracts increasing attention as the world leader in terms of electric vehicle adoption. Rødboka joins the Autovista family, allowing the Group to offer valuations on this critical market.
New brand, new products
EurotaxGlass’s is relaunched as Autovista Group, as it embarks on a new chapter as a purely digital business information provider. Development begins on new digital offerings which combine the power of all of our individual data sets to bring new insights to our customers.
Cross-border insight
The automotive industry is increasingly disrupted by megatrends including electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving and shared mobility. Our customers need to reinvent large parts of their business. Vehicle valuations are still critical to identifying the makes, models and options that are in demand. Autovista continues to lead the way with the launch of Autovista Intelligence and new cross-border insight to help customers navigate these trends.
Backed by Hayfin
The group comes under the control of funds managed or advised by Hayfin Capital Management LLP, an independent investment firm headquartered in London.
The importance of trust
Our highly-respected and market-leading brands – Autovista, Eurotax, Glass’s and Schwacke – are trusted across Europe and Australia. These become our regional company names again, recognising our heritage and what we have learnt from our founders.
Sophisticated methodology for the 21st century
In our drive for ever greater accuracy, we begin to develop new statistical valuation methodologies to meet the demands of the 21st Century. The acquisition of Grey Hen, a Finnish company, brings with it sophisticated modelling and stock profiling tools that give us the power to create the multiple price points, regional valuations and live retail prices our customers need to get the right price whatever the transaction. Grey Hen also owns the powerful brand name, Autovista.
Insight and intelligence
We provide the strongest, most comprehensive data in the industry. But in a fast-moving sector like automotive, having the numbers is no longer enough. For our customers to be truly competitive, they need to know what the trends mean for their business. EurotaxGlass’s Market Intelligence Unit begins providing bespoke reports and intelligence to global vehicle manufacturers, fleet & leasing, and finance companies, helping them to quickly get to grips with market movements. The Global Service Division launches to drive international growth.
Coming together
We believe we are stronger when we work together. That’s why in 2000, Eurotax, Schwacke and Glass’s merge to create EurotaxGlass’s – the European market leader in automotive business intelligence.
Tthe power of innovation
Eurotax, Schwacke, and Glass’s data becomes the industry standard. The data is used by players across the automotive industry and is increasingly adopted by European governments to drive national registration systems. Each customer group has distinct needs. We respond with new and innovative solutions to support mechanical and accident repairs, forecast future residual values and manage bodywork construction. Customer-driven innovation becomes part of our DNA.
Complexity and computing
The information revolution takes off, the PC transforms the workplace and our digital journey begins. As the range of models continues to expand, Eurotax and Glass’s recognise that new technology lends itself to the provision of even more comprehensive information and to the application of more demanding calculation methods. The first Autowert workplace software is installed. Autowert becomes the standard for over 15,000 dealers and over 50,000 users across Europe. Glass’s introduces the PC version of the Glass’ Guide and acquires Editions Professionelles Glass SARL (EPG), France.
Repair and resell
Cars are not just bought and sold, they also need to be maintained and repaired. Responding to the growing number of bodyshops emerging to manage the work, we launch the first calculation system for repair costs with detailed information on parts prices and labour costs for all makes and models. It is an instant hit with insurers looking to manage claims more efficiently – accurate valuation and repair cost estimation becomes a powerful combination in determining when to repair and when to scrap a vehicle.
The power of pan-European coverage
The third key figure in our history, Helmuth H. Lederer, launched his price lists for Austria in 1961, taking inspiration from his partner Schwacke. Mindful that demand for cars was growing across Europe and pan-European manufacturers were starting to need data across markets, the pair launched subsidiaries in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland under the Eurotax brand. Our pan-European reach was born.
More makes, models and vehicle types
With the German automotive industry entering one of the most dynamic periods of development in its history, dealers looked for reliable intelligence on vehicle prices for a growing parc. Hanns W. Schwacke stepped up to the mark to create the first used car price list of its kind in continental Europe. We have been at the forefront of valuing an ever increasing number and variety of models ever since. We also added more vehicle types, as Glass’s began valuing commercial vehicles and motorcycles in the UK, as well as publishing prices for the Australian market.
A pivotal year in automotive history
In 1933, Toyota Kiichiro was founded; the Chevrolet Suburban – the world’s longest continually produced model – was launched; and William Glass published the first “Glass’s Guide to Car Values”. It quickly becomes the most trusted source of used car values for the UK motor trade, setting the tone for how cars are bought and sold for decades to come.
