FROM the auto retailers’ point of view, Indiqator is the new kid on the block with a new name and a new Canadian owner, but lift the lid of the toolbox Indiqator offers the OEMs and dealers and there is a raft of products and services that have been around for quite some time with a strong customer following but under different names. 

The arrival of Indiqator in the market follows the sale by Cox Automotive Australia of its Retail and Data Solutions (RDS) businesses to a Canadian IT investment group, Constellation Software, via its operating group, Vela.  

Indiqator – LeadDriver

The sale of Cox Automotive’s software business included dealer IT services brands such as Xtime, Radius, LeadDriver, SmartPublisher and FinanceConnect.   These brands were launched and built by Cox Automotive over time following its purchase by Cox Automotive Australia of Chris Venning’s Dealer Solutions business in 2016.

The Vela group acquires, manages and builds software businesses that provide specialised, mission-critical software solutions specific to various industries, including automotive. 

Indiqator – Xtime

As a result of the acquisition, the RDS business has been rebranded as Indiqator.

The task ahead is to get products like Xtime, Radius, LeadDriver, SmartPublisher, FinanceConnect, and CloudLogic to become “household names” within the automotive industry. 

Radius is Indiqator’s completely new website platform for franchises, and non-franchise dealers. 

LeadDriver is an AI-powered lead management system designed to help dealers convert more opportunities. It delivers automated follow-up via AI, SMS and email for up to 51 days, including out-of-hours leads, alongside centralised lead capture, real-time analytics and reporting, plus test drive and loan car management. 

David Lonie, chief revenue officer at Indiqator

David Lonie, chief revenue officer at Indiqator, told GoAutoNews Premium: “LeadDriver is the ideal tool for OEMs. Manufacturers invest heavily in marketing to generate leads for their dealer networks, and LeadDriver provides the visibility OEMs need to track lead handling and conversion performance. This ensures that every marketing dollar delivers measurable outcomes.”

Xtime is more familiar as a leading automotive service platform that delivers a seamless, branded experience for dealership customers through deep integration with DMS and OEM systems – covering warranty, recalls, service plans and history. 

Consistent OEM pricing ensures transparency and a smooth booking process.

In markets without OEM programs, Xtime now sells directly to dealers, giving franchise networks access to its intelligent service booking technology. 

The platform is also partnering with AI providers to introduce new self-service channels, enhancing convenience for customers and efficiency for dealers. With over 230,000 bookings and 120,000 driveway check-ins each month, Xtime continues to set the benchmark for service retention.

Callum Coe, head of product and data at Indiqator, told GoAutoNews Premium: “At Indiqator, we are unifying our products around a clear principle: delivering value by improving the dealership processes that drive customer conversion and retention.

That focus drove outstanding results for our customers throughout 2025. 

For example, LeadDriver customers achieved a 25 per cent reduction in unactioned leads, an almost five-fold improvement in first-action times, and an 11 per cent increase in appointments booked. This value was unlocked through nearly 40 product updates delivered over the year.

Callum Coe, head of product and data at Indiqator

Mr Coe said: “We’ve seen similarly strong gains in finance qualification and penetration through our newest FinanceConnect tools, with early adopters reporting up to a 37 per cent uplift in finance penetration. And, of course, we continue to deliver best-in-class service retention through our Xtime product.”

“In 2026, Indiqator will continue to drive performance through our unique combination of deep automotive experience and strong software engineering capability.” 

SmartPublisher manages and distributes retailers’ inventory to top advertising destinations including dealers’ own websites and key third party classified advertising sites.  

It seamlessly integrates with Indiqator’s range of products, allowing the inclusion of specials and campaign pricing and maintains accurate vehicle descriptions and pricing wherever they are displayed online. 

FinanceConnect delivers the technology that connects the dealers’ DMS with finance, insurance, warranty and aftermarket providers.

The CloudLogic DMS platform is suited to independent dealers of all shapes and sizes who are selling cars, motorcycles, campervans or trucks. 

Jamie Nicholson – chief operating officer at Indiqator

Newly appointed COO Jamie Nicholson, told GoAutoNews Premium: “At Indiqator, we’re building more than just platforms, we are shaping the future of automotive retail.

“With LeadDriver and Xtime gaining momentum, and new OEM partnerships coming online, we’re focused on delivering solutions that not only meet today’s needs but anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. It’s an exciting time for our team, our partners, and the industry.” 

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Indiqator enchances team