L’éditeur de logiciels Imaweb a décidé de changer de nom pour devenir Nextlane afin de faciliter sa communication en Europe et auprès de ses clients, qu’ils soient constructeurs, distributeurs, importateurs ou partenaires stratégiques. Cette décision intervient alors que l’entreprise continue sa phase de croissance externe.
I’Car Systems, Datafirst, Stampyt, Custeed, Midrange Solutions & services… the list of acquisitions made by Imaweb Group since 2022 is impressive, both in France and Europe. This has resulted in the group’s revenue increasing from ten million to 103 million euros in just four years.
This year, the IT specialist company is expecting a 12% increase in its revenue solely from organic growth.
As this period of consolidation is far from over, the leading software publisher dedicated to automotive distribution is undergoing a transformation in form and substance. In order to enhance its reputation and standardize its services, Imaweb is changing its name to NextLane, after the platform that will be used by all its clients.
An Open Platform
The goal of this platform is to improve the customer journey for distribution and the production chain for manufacturers. Completely open to other stakeholders, the NextLane platform serves as an interface between Digital OEM solutions, Digital Dealership Solutions, and Dealer Management systems.
NextLane’s CEO, Julian Ciccalé, states, « We are deploying a new strategy to penetrate the automotive market. » This strategy is based on four key areas that drive the market: the internationalization of stakeholders, the agency model chosen by several manufacturers, electrification, and the consolidation of stakeholders.
Jean-Louis Baffier, the group’s revenue director, adds, « Our development axes are identical to those of our clients. And this approach through a platform seems to be the right one for the future. »
The strategy of agency contracts adopted by several manufacturers is a typical example of this evolution. Moving from a margin-based model from a sale to a service-based remuneration requires a complete modification of IT connections. NextLane has collaborated with Mercedes, Smart, Mini, and BMW on this topic. The diversification initiated by some distribution groups into agriculture or heavy-duty vehicles (such as BPM) is another example. The internationalization of operators like RCM is also part of this trend.
Increased Presence in Europe
Operating in eleven European countries through multiple acquisitions, NextLane is now the leading software publisher in France, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. The next target market is the United Kingdom, with development expected to include external growth.
In conclusion, NextLane’s transformation and acquisitions have allowed the company to expand its presence and become a major player in the automotive software industry. With its open platform and focus on customer experience, NextLane is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the market.
