Data company aims to strengthen customer services with new facility

Cox Automotive Europe has announced the opening of a new technology hub, which it says will support innovation and future growth across the automotive industry.

The company said its new facility in Manchester allowed it to bring together its product, technology and data teams in a dedicated space. It has described the new hub as representing a “significant investment” in its digital capabilities.

The hub, which provides a base for more than 100 staff, is designed to improve collaboration in the development of ways to improve vehicle sales, financing, management and remarketing across Europe.

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Manchester chosen for technology focus

The company said Manchester had been chosen as the location for the new hub because of its reputation as one of the UK's leading technology centres. It said the city offered access to a rich network of technology talent, innovative businesses and world-class universities.

Stuart Perham, chief information officer at Cox Automotive Europe, said: “The automotive industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technology, changing customer expectations and new opportunities across the sector.

“Our Manchester technology hub brings together the teams responsible for creating the products and capabilities that will help our customers succeed throughout this period of change.

"The future of automotive will be shaped by organisations that successfully combine talented people, deep industry expertise and modern technology. This hub strengthens our ability to do exactly that, accelerating innovation and enabling us to continue developing market-leading products and services for customers across the automotive ecosystem."

Following a record attendance of more than 1,300 industry professionals and some 90 exhibitors last year, this year's event is on course to welcome more than 100 exhibitors for the first time.

Dealers can register now for your free entry pass here.

Sean joined Automotive Management (and sister title Fleet News) in 2026 as content editor.

He has been a journalist reporting on the fleet industry since 2017.

Since then, he has attended and reported on dozens of events held by organisations such as the SMMT, AFP, BVRLA, and National Highways, interviewed senior figures from car manufacturers, industry bodies and automotive suppliers, and reviewed hundreds of new cars and vans.

His continuing goal is to explain the key issues of the day for decision-makers and help to give them a better understanding of their industry.

Sean graduated with an MA in Journalism from Brunel University of London and began his writing career as a local newspaper reporter. He is a previous winner of the Rising Star prize at the Newspress Awards, which recognise achievement in motoring journalism.