Keyloop to buy Motortech.ai to boost dealer AI tools

Keyloop has agreed to acquire Motortech.ai, a UK-based developer of artificial intelligence software for the automotive sector. The move is set to expand Keyloop's AI capabilities across its Fusion Automotive Retail Platform.

Keyloop said it plans to integrate Motortech.ai technology into Fusion modules used by dealers for inventory, websites and sales processes. The companies positioned the deal around customer communications and lead handling across digital channels.

Customer agent

Motortech.ai's main product is an AI customer agent called AIME. The company said AIME replaces website forms and manual replies through other channels with conversational tools that work in real time and run 24/7.

According to Motortech.ai, AIME is capable of searching for and comparing vehicles for prospective customers. It can also qualify leads, handle enquiries, manage part-exchanges, log vehicle reservations, and process finance quotes and agreements.

Keyloop said it intends to integrate AIME and other Motortech.ai functions into Fusion. It identified the Vehicle Hub inventory management module, the Acquisition Hub website product and Sales Hub as initial areas for integration.

Product roadmap

Keyloop said additional AI enhancement is scheduled for early 2026. It described further development work on AIME that would extend it into a contact centre product.

Keyloop said the planned contact centre product would aggregate, process and action leads through social channels, WhatsApp, SMS and email. It also said it expects enhancements focused on aftersales engagement and re-engaging lapsed leads.

Keyloop did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition. The transaction remains subject to regulatory clearances, which Keyloop expects to receive in the first quarter of 2026.

Dealers and OEMs

Keyloop sells automotive retail software to dealers and other sector participants. The company said its customer base includes more than 20,000 retailers and more than 80 OEMs.

It also said it supplies software solutions to over 70% of the UK's top 200 dealer groups by turnover. Keyloop said Fusion covers demand, supply, operations and ownership across the automotive retail cycle.

In a statement on the acquisition, Keyloop Chief Executive Tom Kilroy said the company has already begun planning the integration work.

"I'm extremely excited that Motortech.ai will soon become part of Keyloop. We're already planning how their proven technology will be integrated throughout our tech stack, so that whenever and however a customer interacts with a dealer, both parties will feel the benefits," said Tom Kilroy, CEO, Keyloop.

Motortech.ai Chief Executive and Founder Gerard Thatcher described the deal in terms of combining conversational AI products with Keyloop's existing software and data assets.

"This is an important new development for motor retailers and OEMs, as it unites the conversational power of our AI solutions with Keyloop's unrivalled data insights and market-leading enterprise solutions. This agreement means we'll be able to accelerate deployment of a full conversational layer for dealerships and OEMs, providing better outcomes for customers and dealers alike," said Gerard Thatcher, CEO and Founder, Motortech.ai.

Omnichannel focus

Kilroy said dealers face changing expectations from consumers on how they communicate with retailers. He also set out what he expects AI-led tools to change in dealership operations and performance measures.

"Dealers operate in an ever-changing environment, with rising customer expectations about engaging with dealerships on an omnichannel basis, 24/7. AI can significantly improve outcomes for customers, driving satisfaction and loyalty. The AI functionality developed by Motortech.ai will help dealerships and OEMs drive revenue growth through enhanced customer engagement across multiple channels, further enhancing the rich data available in Fusion. I know that together, we'll deliver measurable improvements in conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and dealer efficiency across our global client base," said Kilroy.