As artificial intelligence reshapes how consumers search for information, attracting customers to your digital showroom has never been more challenging or more important.
In a recent episode of Drivetime, the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop, we sat down with Martijn Versteegen, founder and CEO of IMAGIN.studio, to explore the strategic role of imagery in automotive retail.
Martijn is a true innovator in automotive visuals. His company instantly transforms vehicle data into high‑fidelity visual assets, freeing retailers from the limitations of physical photography and the risk of copyright issues.
Our conversation underscored a simple truth: we buy with our eyes. If retailers cannot show their stock effectively, they lose customers. Delivering on this principle requires both smart technology and thoughtful strategy. Here are the key insights from our discussion with Martijn.
Buying with our eyes
When customers land on your website, they want instant clarity. What’s the product? What does it look like? How does it make me feel? As Martijn explains, text answers the technical questions, but imagery sparks emotion and drives intent.
IMAGIN.studio adresses this by transforming raw vehicle data into detailed 3D models and visuals of any car, in any colour, from any angle. No physical car. No photoshoot. No delays.
What sounds simple is actually totally transformative. Retailers get:
- Consistent, high‑quality imagery
- Immediate visual assets as soon as a vehicle hits the data feed
- Increased accuracy across the digital showroom
This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about speed, accuracy and operational efficiency. In an industry where stock turnover drives profitability, having ready‑to‑use visuals from day one is a serious competitive advantage.
Accelerating sales velocity
Efficiency was a major theme of our conversation, and it’s something we’re passionate about at Keyloop. Martijn shared a compelling example that demonstrates the commercial impact of better visuals.
A retailer using IMAGIN.studio significantly expanded its online stock presentation, creating a digital showroom that far exceeded the physical one. The result? Not just more traffic, but a dramatic improvement in sales velocity.
The average time to sell a new car dropped from 60 days to just 15.
That’s a huge efficiency gain. High‑quality imagery didn’t just attract leads; it helped customers make decisions faster.
When buyers can clearly see what they’re purchasing, trust increases and hesitation fades, perfectly aligning with our mission to optimise every stage of the vehicle lifecycle.
The strategic value of comparison
Many retailers invest heavily in showcasing individual vehicles, but often overlook the importance of comparison. As Martijn notes, customers rarely evaluate a car in isolation. They compare models, trims, prices and features.
A powerful comparison experience requires:
- Consistent, standardised visuals
- Uniform angles and lighting
- Equal detail across every vehicle
If one car is shown in a polished studio and another in a rainy car park, the customer’s perception is instantly skewed. Data‑generated imagery ensures every vehicle is presented on a level playing field, helping shoppers make informed decisions without leaving your website.
The result? More trust, less friction and higher engagement.
Navigating the AI landscape
Our discussion also touched on the fast‑moving world of generative AI. With the rise of AI‑generated content, it can be tempting to use these tools for commercial vehicle imagery – but Martijn offered a crucial warning.
AI‑generated images of specific models can create copyright risks. If the visuals aren’t based on authorised data, retailers could face legal challenges.
At the same time, search engines are prioritising authentic, trustworthy content. As AI‑powered search evolves, retailers must differentiate themselves through accurate representations of their stock and “real passion” that AI cannot replicate. High‑quality, data‑driven visuals are becoming a strategic necessity.
Why content integrity matters
As online experiences become more automated, trustworthy content is more valuable than ever. A strong website must address the customer’s core questions: price, social proof, utility and appearance.
If you fail to show the product effectively, customers won’t think twice about hitting the back button.
A 360° visual approach is essential. Just as Keyloop champions a 360° view of the customer and vehicle data, your imagery must offer a complete, compelling representation of every car. Consistency builds trust. Trust drives action.
Moving forward with visual innovation
Automotive retail is shaking off its reputation for slow innovation. Companies like IMAGIN.studio show what is possible when cutting‑edge technology meets operational challenges.
For retailers, the message is clear:
- Visuals are a strategic asset, not an add‑on.
- They reduce risk through accuracy and compliance.
- They accelerate sales cycles and boost profitability.
- They save operational time by automating manual workflows.
As data and visual technologies continue to converge, retailers who embrace these innovations will be best positioned to adapt and to serve customers with speed and confidence.
It’s time to stop thinking of images as mere pictures and start treating them as a core part of your data strategy.
Ready to learn more?
Listen to the full Drivetime episode to hear more insights from Martijn Versteegen and discover how technology is reshaping the automotive landscape.
