PSA acquires majority share in Autobutler
PSA Group has acquired a majority share in Autobutler, an online quote platform for vehicle maintenance and repair.
PSA Group claims the move strengthens its multi-brand aftermarket offering, particularly for ‘smart buy’ customers seeking the best value for money. It will also help the Group to develop business in its own networks, expand its customer base, attract new independent auto repair shops, and improve its expertise in digital aftermarket services.
Launched in 2010, the Autobutler online platform has already allowed nearly 300,000 customers in four European countries to get an online quote for vehicle maintenance and repair. Users simply enter their car model, location and the type of work they want done, and receive corresponding offers and quotes from three garages located near their home.
PSA’s investment will go hand in hand with expansion of the business into new countries.
In its Push to Pass strategic plan, the Group set the two-pronged objective of being a benchmark carmaker and becoming customers’ favourite supplier of mobility services.
Commenting on the transaction, Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon, chief financial officer of the PSA Group, said, ‘This investment is particularly well aligned with our Push to Pass strategy. It will help us to shake up existing paradigms and adjust our business so that we can better meet the needs of our customers, offer them a full range of mobility-related services and tap new growth markets.’
The co-founders of Autobutler, Peter Zigler and Christian Legêne, said, ‘The future in the automotive industry is digital. For the last six years we have proven that car owners are ready to go digital in the search for reputable garages. With PSA’s focus on digitalisation and their Push to Pass strategy we see great synergies and believe the alliance is a good match which will help Autobutler become Europe’s number one platform for online workshop repairs offering the best transparency and trust.’
