Mark Anderson
The UK startup scene is booming and nowhere is this more evident than in the automotive industry. The sector has seen a surge in innovation, particularly as more attention has turned towards effectively integrating technology to enhance the buying, selling and driving experience. In recent years, several new automotive startups have emerged, each bringing something fresh and exciting to the market. While they might all be new, they all share a desire to revolutionize our relationship with transport in their unique ways. In this article, we want to highlight some of the most exciting automotive startups that have been founded in the UK since 2020 and explore the innovative work they are doing.
Many of these startups serve to disrupt traditionally static areas of the automotive field, whether it’s through alternative fuel technologies, bespoke marketing solutions for car dealerships, or new platforms for buying and selling used cars. They are breaking new ground in ways that could shift the balance of the entire automotive industry, and they all have their roots in the UK. These startups truly illustrate the strength, creativity, and forward-thinking nature of the UK startup scene.
We’ve chosen a selection of startups that each bring something different to the table. Join us as we dive into each company’s mission, their unique selling points, and how they’re driving change in the automotive world.
Carzam
Based in Peterborough, Carzam was founded by John Bailey and Peter Waddell. The company operates in the automotive, e-commerce, and retail sectors, aiming to deliver a superior end-to-end retail experience for used cars. Customers can find, part-exchange, sell, finance, and buy used cars online, providing an advantageous remarketing solution for customers looking to dispose of their wholesale vehicles. Check them out on their Facebook and Linkedin pages.
OX Delivers
OX Delivers, located in Warwick and founded by Casey Norman, Natalie Dowsett, Simon Davis, and Torquil Norman, operates in the automotive and transportation sector. Its goal is to deliver affordable transport in emerging markets by developing the world’s first clean-transport ecosystem – a unique, zero-emissions OX truck designed specifically for emerging markets. Find them on Facebook and Linkedin.
Kavida.ai
London-based start-up Kavida.ai was founded by Anam Rahman and Sumit Sinha. The company operates in the automotive, fashion, software, and supply chain management industries. Their FMS (Fulfilment Management System) assists procurement teams in ensuring on-time inbound deliveries and early detection of risks. They are active on their Linkedin page.
eStar Truck and Van
eStar Truck and Van is based in Warrington. They operate in the automotive, sales, and service industry. They can be found on Linkedin.
Riviera Circle
Riviera Circle, a London-based startup founded by James Kenyon and Kemal Cenan, operates in the automotive and information technology sector. Their unique platform connects supercar, performance, and classic car owners with global luxury brands through accurate targeting. Check them out on their Facebook and Linkedin pages.
Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP)
Based in Chichester, the AFP is the fleet industry’s leading membership organization. They bring together the strengths of two of the industry’s most prolific organizations, ACFO and the ICFM. Learn more about them on their Linkedin page.
GL Digital Automotive Marketing
Manchester-based GL Digital Automotive Marketing, founded by Gary Lewis Cheetham, operates in the advertising, automotive, digital marketing, and marketing sectors. They offer a dealership marketing solution that targets local people to drive cars onto your forecourt. Learn more on their Facebook and Linkedin pages.
Caigan Vehicle Technologies
Caigan Vehicle Technologies, based in Strathaven, designs, develops, and produces vehicle conversion solutions to help meet the growing demand for zero-emission transportation. They can be found on their Facebook and Linkedin pages.
Twisted Marine
Twisted Marine, based in Salcombe, operates in the automotive, marine technology, and mechanical engineering sectors. They provide boat, aircraft, and automotive services. Check them out on their Facebook page.
Lendwheel
London-based Lendwheel operates in the automotive, car-sharing, fleet management, rental, and transport sectors. They connect car owners with potential hirers through an online platform, offering monthly all-inclusive car subscriptions for everyday drivers. Find them on their Facebook and Linkedin pages.
Parajet International
Based in Shaftesbury, Parajet International was founded by Gilo Cardozo. The company operates in the aerospace, automotive, e-commerce, manufacturing, and sales sectors. Check them out on their Facebook and Linkedin pages.
