Automotive industry software suppliers Autofutura and GForces have merged to form a new group that combines their respective areas of expertise.

Autofutura specialises in data management, lead management (CRM), loyalty and retention software, while GForces provides e-commerce solutions.

Together, backed by Inflexion Private Equity, the two firms will deliver solutions to support the digital acceleration in automotive retail. It also benefits from the expertise of the recently acquired Chrysalis Loyalty business, now part of Autofutura.

Billed as the first of its kind in the industry, the new group aims to connect car maker, finance provider, dealer and consumer to optimise the entire customer journey – through the provision of software and data services.

The new group will be led by data intelligence expert Christian Erlandson as CEO and automotive veteran David Riemenschneider as chairman.

Erlandson said: “The digitisation of the automotive sales process is accelerating at an unprecedented pace and now is the time to combine the expertise of Autofutura and GForces. By merging Autofutura’s data intelligence insight with GForces’ e-commerce solutions, there is huge potential to support our customers in streamlining the consumer journey, accelerating sales and driving revenue from the first transaction.”

Autofutura and GForces already serve 20 of the world’s leading car manufacturers and more than 10,000 locations, across 96 countries. Headquartered out of the UK, its global presence includes offices in Australia, Canada, Germany, Vietnam, UAE and the USA.