cap hpi confirms plans to take Black Book fully digital

cap hpi has confirmed the last printed edition of the iconic Black Book used car value guide will appear in February. At the same time it will also phase out its Red and Green books, for commercial vehicles and motor cycles, in a move that will see the group complete its transition to a fully digital service.

The Black Book has been in circulation since 1979 but now has 90% of customers move to digital subscriptions.

Commenting on the development, Matt Thompson, marketing director at cap hpi said: “The power of the data we provide our customers has grown exponentially in recent years. It spans over 60,000 vehicles IDs and is available in real time. When coupled with dynamic retail pricing information, recall data, spec check and a host of other features, it is clear that is has outgrown the printed format.

“We’ve seen a rapid growth in mobile users, and it will remain a focus for our development teams to allow users to access data wherever and whenever they need it. The next few years will see a different quantum of information available to users, who will be able to build the tools they need around their business, using real-time and accurate data.”

cap hpi attributes the growth in its online user base to the increased quality and range of data available. It has expanded its editorial teams both in the UK and internationally to manage the greater amounts of data the company is now handling.

“We have made big investments in our infrastructure and development teams that enable us to respond quickly to changing market requirements. In an increasingly volatile world, it’s important that we empower our customers to stay one step ahead,” he said.

cap hpi also confirmed it is developing a suite of apps and digital services that are launching in the coming months that will enable greater use of smartphones by its customers. The company has recently rolled out a host of innovations to its valuation anywhere product.