AutoVentive

What AutoVentive does

AutoVentive is a privately held SaaS company headquartered in Wayne, Michigan that develops cloud-based Yard Management System (YMS) software and telematics hardware for the automotive logistics industry. Its customers are automotive OEMs, vehicle processing companies, commercial fleet operators, and rail and convoy carriers that require finished-vehicle visibility from the OEM production line through yard storage and dealer delivery. The company is privately held under Liberty Hill Equity Partners (majority investor) and Apex Holdings, and operates alongside sister company Precision Vehicle Logistics, which provides complementary yard and logistics services and is the entity that received the 2022 GM Supplier of the Year award.

The core product is a modular cloud-based YMS suite delivered as a web and Android application that automates yard processes including vehicle placement, workflow management, check-in, and congestion reduction. Its flagship product is AV Shadow, an OBD-port telematics device with a built-in accelerometer that captures GPS, VIN, G-force, ignition status, idling time, harsh acceleration/braking, and fault-diagnostic data. The platform integrates with TMS, WMS, ERP, OEM, and 3PL systems via EDI/API and supports in-house, fully cloud-based, and hybrid deployments. AV Shadow telemetry feeds machine-learning models that detect damage patterns and predict damage events before delivery; real-time dashboards render 3D incident models, satellite views, and damage heatmaps. Other modules include AutoChargeIt (automated check-in), AV Scanner (rugged Android), AV Track Sheets, Fleet Tracking, AutoVentive Rail (rail-specific variant), and the AUTOChargit Mobile UTV for on-site Level II EV charging developed with Dasher Lawless Automation.

AutoVentive sells through a consultative enterprise sales motion with a "Request a Demo" funnel, multi-year contracts, and custom pricing tied to operation size and configuration. Revenue is generated through SaaS subscriptions for the YMS suite and separate purchases of module add-ons. Marketing relies on content (blog, whitepapers), industry conferences, PR, and brand sponsorships including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series sponsorship of Niece Motorsports driver Bayley Currey. Named customer engagements include a 2023-2024 beta-test partnership with Ford Motor Company and sister-company GM logistics support at the Factory Zero EV facility.

Name

AutoVentive

Legal name

AutoVentive

Website

https://autoventive.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

AutoVentive is a Michigan-based SaaS company providing a cloud-based yard management system and telematics (AV Shadow) hardware to automotive OEMs, vehicle processors, and rail carriers for end-to-end vehicle tracking, damage detection, and workflow automation in finished-vehicle logistics.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Wayne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. SaaS Subscription (YMS and Telematics): AutoVentive operates as a Software as a Service (SaaS) application developer. Revenue is generated through subscription-based access to the YMS logistics software suite and the AV Shadow telematics tracking system. Modules can be configured to meet specific business requirements and are included in the YMS Suite or available as separate purchases. Pricing is tailored to operation size and configuration requirements.
2. Module Applications (Add-on Software): Additional Module Applications for specific inventory management, tracking, tracing, and monitoring activities are sold separately from the core YMS Suite, providing an upsell and expansion revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AutoVentive develops and sells cloud-based SaaS applications, including its flagship Yard Management System (YMS) and AV Shadow telematics tracking devices, to automotive OEMs and vehicle processing companies. Its platform delivers end-to-end visibility, automated workflows, AI-powered damage detection, and real-time analytics for vehicles moving through yards and in-transit across the automotive supply chain.

Product overview

AutoVentive offers a modular SaaS platform for automotive logistics centered on its core YMS (Yard Management System) - a cloud-based telematics vehicle tracking system. The platform architecture consists of a core YMS base augmented by specialized module applications. Key products include AV Shadow (advanced GPS telematics device), Fleet Tracking, AutoChargeIt (automated check-in), the AUTOChargit Mobile UTV (EV charging solution), YMS Tracking Modules, AV Scanner, AV Track Sheets, and forthcoming Improved Reporting Dashboards. AutoVentive also provides industry-specific variants including AutoVentive Rail for rail logistics. The platform is accessible via web application and Android devices, and offers flexible deployment options including fully cloud-based, in-house, or hybrid configurations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AutoVentive YMS (Yard Management System) Cloud-based SaaS yard management system for the automotive supply chain that automates and optimizes critical yard operation processes including vehicle placement, workflow automation, and congestion reduction. Provides end-to-end visibility and analytics on assets, shipments, and workforce activities. Supports in-house, fully cloud-based, or hybrid deployment configurations.
• AV Shadow Telematics Tracking Advanced GPS telematics tracking device that plugs into a vehicle's OBD port and captures real-time data including GPS coordinates, VIN numbers, G-force readings, ignition status, idling time, harsh acceleration/braking, and fault diagnostics. Integrated with AI and machine-learning algorithms for damage detection and prevention; serves as a digital blueprint of each vehicle's journey for OEMs and fleet operators.
• AutoChargeIt Automated vehicle check-in and processing module that enables faster vehicle movement, minimizing wait times and enhancing operational efficiency for yards. Integrated into the YMS suite for streamlined yard operations.
• Fleet Tracking Module Module providing instant, real-time visibility of vehicle status and location, with data made available the second a VIN is scanned, eliminating wait times for fleet managers overseeing commercial vehicle operations.
• AutoVentive Rail Rail-specific variant of the YMS platform designed for automotive rail transportation. Addresses challenges of vehicle damage during rail transit including elevated handling, railcar ramming, and movement damage monitoring.
• AUTOChargit Mobile UTV Mobile EV charging solution developed with Dasher Lawless Automation. Utility terrain vehicle equipped with extended cables (up to 60 feet) and generator-powered Level II charging stations for on-site EV charging in yards and storage facilities.
• AV Scanner (Zebra Device Compatible) Rugged Android-compatible handheld scanner (compatible with Zebra TC75 or L10) for two-way data transfer, enabling quick data input and updates across yard departments.
• YMS Tracking Modules Module applications for specific inventory management, tracking, tracing, and monitoring activities. Modules are configured to meet business requirements and included in the YMS Suite or purchased separately as add-ons.
• AV Track Sheets Track sheet technology for recording and managing vehicle movement data, providing documentation capability for tracking vehicle movements and shipments throughout the logistics process.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,311,588 vehicle moves facilitated through YMS deployment across 10 sites (2021)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ford Motor CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023AutoVentive and Ford Motor Company completed a successful beta test of the AV Shadow real-time tracking technology to address vehicle shipping damage. The partnership involved collaborative trials across routes including Michigan to California, US to Canada, and Hermosillo Mexico to multiple destinations. Ford Vehicle Shipping Quality Team Lead Benjamin Pohl and AutoVentive CTO Lee Williams jointly presented findings at the 130th Damage Prevention & Freight Claim Conference. Outcomes included tangible damage evidence, real-time tracking, improved loading crew safety, and route optimization recommendations.
• Automotive Logistics MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutoVentive's AV Shadow Track and Trace Technology was featured in Automotive Logistics Magazine, a respected industry publication. This editorial coverage serves as a credibility and awareness mechanism within the automotive logistics community.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology ReviewminorOthersMIT Technology Review published research on data-driven supply chain solutions, which AutoVentive references in its content marketing to support the value proposition around AI and real-time visibility in automotive logistics. Not a formal partnership but cited as third-party validation.
• Deloitte InsightsminorOthersDeloitte Insights survey data on supply chain management challenges (shipment delays, shipping costs) is cited by AutoVentive to contextualize the market problem space for vehicle damage and logistics inefficiency. Not a formal partnership but used as third-party data reference.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Samsara: Public IoT/fleet management platform offering vehicle telematics, GPS tracking, and asset visibility across many verticals. Closely comparable to AutoVentive's AV Shadow telematics capabilities, though Samsara is horizontal while AutoVentive is automotive-specialized.
• Geotab: Leading fleet telematics platform with OBD-connected GPS tracking and analytics. Direct competitor in vehicle tracking technology with comparable device-and-software model, but serves fleets broadly rather than specializing in automotive OEM yards.
• Motive (formerly KeepTruckin): AI-powered fleet management platform offering GPS tracking, telematics, and equipment monitoring. Comparable in technology stack (OBD devices, dashboards, analytics) and target buyer profile (operations leaders), competing for similar enterprise vehicle visibility budgets.

Broad incumbents

• Verizon Connect: Large incumbent telematics and fleet management solution backed by Verizon. Comparable in vehicle tracking and fleet visibility, with broader telecom integration and enterprise reach, but serves many industries beyond automotive OEMs.
• Webfleet (Bridgestone): Established fleet management platform under Bridgestone offering telematics, GPS tracking, and vehicle analytics. Comparable in telematics core, with broader commercial-vehicle focus and global dealer-channel distribution.
• Trimble Transportation: Enterprise transportation and logistics software suite covering fleet, asset, and supply chain visibility. Comparable in yard and transportation management capabilities, with much broader enterprise software footprint including rail and intermodal.
• Descartes Systems Group: Logistics technology provider offering yard management, transportation management, and customs solutions. Directly comparable YMS functionality and integration with TMS/WMS/ERP ecosystems, with broader enterprise logistics suite.

Emerging players

• FourKites: Supply chain visibility platform offering real-time in-transit visibility and predictive ETA for shipments. Comparable in end-to-end visibility value proposition and AI-driven shipment analytics, with overlap in rail and finished-vehicle logistics use cases.
• project44: Supply chain visibility network providing real-time shipment tracking across modes. Comparable in transportation visibility and automotive OEM customer base (project44 also serves major OEMs), competing for similar in-transit analytics budgets.
• Platform Science: Fleet management platform integrating telematics hardware and applications directly into vehicle dashboards. Comparable in OBD/in-vehicle technology and enterprise fleet customer base, with focus on trucking and logistics verticals.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autoventive

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AutoVentive