Motor Finance Online editor Alejandro Gonzalez speaks with Martijn Versteegen, CEO of IMAGIN.studio, about the company’s approach to vehicle imagery and its impact on the motor finance industry.
Alejandro Gonzalez (AG): Could you describe the automotive imagery solution you offer for the motor finance industry?
Martijn Versteegen (MV): At IMAGIN.studio, we’re all about creating high-quality, data-driven vehicle images on demand. Unlike traditional stock image libraries, we don’t recycle the same old photos. Instead, we’ve built a global platform that lets clients generate and distribute stunning vehicle imagery instantly via an API. We pull raw vehicle data from multiple sources, reformat and model it, and then produce top-tier images that are always accurate and up-to-date.
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AG: What are the key benefits of incorporating high-quality, data-driven vehicle images and animations into motor finance marketing and sales strategies?
MV: It’s simple — better images mean better engagement. When customers see high-quality, consistent vehicle images across websites and social media, they feel more confident, leading to higher conversion rates. We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the automotive world, compelling visuals can be the deciding factor in a purchase. Without visual confirmation, cars won’t be sold.
AG: Who are some of your key clients and business partners?
MV: We work with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Tier 1 leasing companies and OEMs to financial services firms and banks across Europe and beyond. Our client list includes Ayvens (formerly LeasePlan and ALD), Michelin, Santander, Volkswagen Financial Services, Lloyds Banking Group, Stellantis, Carwow, Leasys and others. We also collaborate with B2C businesses, dealer groups, and digital platforms, ensuring our technology reaches every corner of the automotive sales ecosystem.
AG: How does your platform help these companies be more successful?
MV: Visual confirmation is key in every car buyer’s customer journey. With our platform, companies can showcase every vehicle from every angle, in any colour, completely automatically, without having the car available for a photoshoot. This not only enhances the customer experience but also boosts efficiency, reduces costs, and opens up new revenue opportunities. Clients can even market cars before they’re physically available, speeding up sales cycles and attracting more visitors to their online showrooms. Our solution is a game-changer — once deployed, there’s no going back.
AG: How does your platform ensure the consistency and quality of images across various car makes and models?
MV: Our expert 3D artists render every vehicle image with precise lighting and standardised angles, ensuring consistency across all makes and models. This guarantees a professional, legally compliant solution that meets the highest industry standards.
AG: What advancements in machine learning and AI have you implemented to stay competitive in the automotive imagery market?
MV: We’ve fully embraced AI and machine learning to make sure our clients get exactly the right images in real-time. Our AI-powered system seamlessly connects to any data source. This level of automation removes complexity and ensures our clients always receive the most relevant and accurate imagery, making their operations smoother and more efficient.
AG: How do you envision the future of automotive imagery? What’s next for your company?
MV: With the industry shifting towards subscription-based models and usership over ownership, high-quality vehicle imagery will become even more important. The future of automotive imagery will likely include:
● Hyper personalisation: hyper personalisation will be key. Creating and communicating customised and sticky messages to key target groups will be the norm.
● Interactive imagery: 360-degree views and clickable hotspots for an immersive online experience.
● Sustainability-focused content: Showcasing the latest eco-friendly vehicle
technologies, particularly electric and hybrid models.
At IMAGIN.studio, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of vehicle visualisation, ensuring our clients stand out in an increasingly digital marketplace.
