Called Automotive Intelligence and Consulting (AIC), the new unit will expand ETG's range of consulting and intelligence services as well as provide easier access to ETG data and insights. It will also manage total cost of ownership and car to market solutions as well as live retail pricing.

Dr Christof Engelskirchen has been appointed as managing director of AIC while Steffen Schick, former head of ETG Global Services, has been named as chief strategy officer.

Dr Engelskirchen said: "Providing essential data to international companies is a key activity for ETG and the creation of the new business unit will help us to gain additional focus as well as expand our range of services into new areas.

"This is a very exciting development and one that we are sure will soon have an impact on the market for European automotive data."

Dr Engelskirchen also said: “We regularly provide services to all automotive manufacturers, their European headquarters, national sales companies and importers.

"With our unique combination of skills, we are capable of addressing the most complex challenges that these companies face, such as the ideal specification of extended warranties, dealer network optimisation, and the best commercialisation strategies for new vehicle concepts and powertrain technologies."

He added that AIC would aim to address client needs by going beyond pure data delivery, helping clients interpret data and draw conclusions

Dr Engelskirchen: "Together with our clients we optimise residual value and total cost of ownership performance up to five years before the launch of a car by establishing challenging targets and by providing objective assessments and recommendations for pricing, specification, vehicle concept and volume planning."