Auto Trader Group has announced the acquisition of KeeResources, a provider of software solutions and data services to the automotive industry.

KeeResources has been an integral supplier to Auto Trader, as the company’s vehicle taxonomy data underpins much of its core platform.

Auto Trader CEO-designate, Nathan Coe, said: “Strategically, we believe it’s important to own and develop such an accurate and valuable data source.

“We see data as a key enabler towards both improving the user experience and digitising the automotive ecosystem, allowing us to make the buying experience better for car buyers and more efficient for retailers.”

Auto Trader Group is the UK and Ireland's largest digital automotive marketplace, attracting around 50 million monthly cross platform visits each month.

The marketplace also has the largest pool of vehicle sellers, listing around 450,000 cars each day.

KeeResources, which was established in 2000, is a provider of software, vehicle data, and digital solutions to the automotive industry.

Its data powers systems, websites and apps for many of the automotive industries biggest brands, including vehicle manufacturers, leasing companies, dealer groups and media owners.

Denis Keenan, CEO of KeeResources, said: “We are extremely proud to have the quality of our systems, data and people recognised by the UK’s largest automotive marketplace.

“Auto Trader have been clients using our data for some time so joining their wider Group is an exciting opportunity to take our business to the next level.”

KeeResources says it will continue to operate in the same way that it does today, in both its current office locations, but with the “added benefit” of having access to Auto Trader’s talent and resources.