What TIMER does

TIMER (时代嘉道, ERAJD) is a Shanghai-based B2B data intelligence and consulting group founded in 2002, primarily serving China's automotive industry with a portfolio of standardized data products, market research services, internet media monitoring, and industry events. The group operates through five wholly-owned pillars: 嘉之道汽车咨询 (Jia Zhi Dao Automotive Consulting) for standardized data products and consulting; 嘉道信息技朮 (Jiadao Information Technology) for the underlying technology platform; 正时汽车 (Zhengshi Auto) for the aftermarket vehicle-parts matching data engine covering 137 manufacturers, 15,000+ vehicle models, and 50 million+ parts records since 2005; WebInsight for internet-wide brand reputation monitoring and digital marketing evaluation; and AutoChina360.com (汽车咨询中心网) as the industry portal and 360° Forum event platform reaching 1M+ monthly visitors and 100,000+ newsletter subscribers. Named customers include BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, SAIC-GM, SAIC-Volkswagen, Geely, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu, ZF Sachs, Bosch, and Eaton, alongside government public-opinion contracts across multiple Shanghai districts.

The underlying technology stack centers on a self-developed internet search engine layered with NLP, text mining, pattern recognition, and distributed computing capabilities, organized into three core engines — media monitoring (10B+ records, 2,000+ events tracked, 200,000+ KOLs), data processing (billions of records daily with sentiment analysis, clustering, tagging, and influence scoring), and intelligent recommendation (hybrid content-based plus collaborative filtering). Academic collaborations with Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Chinese-German Language Technology Lab (under the national 863 High-Tech R&D Program) and Fudan University's School of Journalism underwrite ongoing R&D in semantic analysis and network communication impact measurement; the company holds 50+ patents and software copyrights.

Commercialization is split across four recurring streams: subscription-style annual data service contracts for the 正时通配 vehicle-parts database (deployed via cloud or on-premise to e-commerce platforms and parts distributors), WebInsight brand monitoring engagements with automotive and non-automotive brands, custom research and consulting for OEMs and parts suppliers, and the 360° Automotive Industry Forum event platform (~200 events since 2010, reaching 24,000+ enterprises) generating sponsorship and participation revenue. The company has expanded into government, education, recruitment, and commercial-park analytics, monetized through cross-industry big data solutions. TIMER is privately held, has received only modest disclosed seed funding (~$2M from PreAngel in 2014-2015), shows no public listing intent, and reports 251-500 employees.

Name

TIMER

Legal name

上海嘉道信息技术有限公司

Website

https://timerchina.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

TIMER (时代嘉道) is a Shanghai-based B2B data intelligence group serving China's automotive industry through standardized data products, market consulting, internet media monitoring, and industry events. Its core assets are the 正时通配 vehicle-parts matching database and the WebInsight social listening platform, sold primarily via annual subscriptions to OEMs, parts suppliers, and government clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Industry Data Intelligence and Market Research

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Data Platforms, Historian & MES/MOM Integration (IMAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Automotive aftermarket data
• Vehicle parts matching
• Internet big data analytics
• Brand reputation monitoring
• Automotive market research

Headquarters

HQ city

Changning

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. 标准化数据产品与市场咨询服务: Standardized data products and market consulting services provided to automotive OEMs and parts manufacturers. Includes annual service contracts with major e-commerce platforms and parts distributors. Revenue generated through subscription-like annual agreements for data access.
2. 行业论坛与活动服务: 360°汽车产业论坛 and related industry events generate revenue through event participation fees, sponsorship, and business matching services. The platform connects nearly 300,000 industry resources with 100,000+ registered enterprise members.
3. WebInsight 互联网评测服务: Internet-wide brand monitoring and digital marketing evaluation services sold to automotive, luxury goods, cosmetics, and FMCG brands. Revenue from project-based and annual service agreements.
4. 产业大数据智能分析平台: Cross-industry big data solutions including automotive industry intelligence platform, commercial park operations, big data teaching tools, intelligent recruitment, and enterprise public opinion monitoring.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

TIMER (时代嘉道) provides automotive industry big data intelligence and market consulting services through a portfolio of products: a comprehensive vehicle-parts matching database (正时汽车) covering 137 manufacturers and 15,000+ vehicle models with 50M+ data records; an internet brand monitoring and digital marketing evaluation service (WebInsight) with 10B+ media records; standardized market research and consulting services for automotive OEMs and parts suppliers; and an industry portal/exhibition platform (AutoChina360.com). Core technology is built on self-developed internet search engine, NLP, text mining, and pattern recognition capabilities.

Product overview

TIMER (时代嘉道) operates as a comprehensive text big data intelligent application provider with a multi-product portfolio serving the automotive industry and broader enterprise markets. The core offerings include: (1) 正时汽车 - an automotive aftermarket data service engine with a comprehensive vehicle-parts matching database covering 137 manufacturers, 15,000+ vehicle models, and 50 million records since 2005; (2) WebInsight - an internet panorama evaluation service for brand reputation monitoring, digital marketing evaluation, and real-time media tracking; (3) 汽车咨询中心网 (AutoChina360) - an automotive industry information portal and 360-degree industry forum platform; (4) 嘉道数据技术 - the core technology platform providing data mining, intelligent processing, and visualization application with specific solutions for business intelligence, government affairs, education, recruitment, and enterprise reputation management. The products work together to provide end-to-end data intelligence from raw data collection and processing to analysis, visualization, and actionable insights for automotive and enterprise clients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 正时汽车 (Zhengshi Auto) Vehicle-Parts Matching Database Comprehensive vehicle-parts matching database covering 2005-present with 137 manufacturers/brands, 15,000+ vehicle models, 50M+ data records including OEM, brand, and equivalent parts with cross-referencing. Includes T-TYPE/T-MODEL vehicle variant library with VIN rule databases and 20 core configuration parameters, maintenance rule database, parts data, technical parameters, and fault diagnosis data. Offered via cloud and on-premise deployment. Serves automotive e-commerce platforms and parts distributors.
• WebInsight Internet Panorama Evaluation Service Internet-wide brand monitoring and consumer feedback analysis service covering massive information, precise audience targeting, and real-time tracking. Used by major digital product, cosmetics, automotive, and telecom brands for marketing, PR, and product R&D decision support. Recognized by Gartner in 2012 as a Social Analytics Leading Enterprise. Includes 6 service modules for automotive digital marketing measurement.
• RTM Real-Time Marketing Management System (RTM实时营销管理系统) Real-time monitoring of hot content across internet media platforms including Weibo, WeChat, apps, and news portals. Provides real-time rankings and content marketing spread analysis for the internet real-time era.
• 嘉之道汽车咨询 (Jia Zhi Dao Automotive Consulting) Automotive industry research team providing standardized data products and market consulting services. Specializes in automotive aftermarket research, domestic passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle market research, and publishes reports including the 360° Automotive Industry Monthly Data Report. Has served nearly 100 premium global OEMs and parts enterprises.
• 汽车咨询中心网 / AutoChina360 Industry Portal and Forum Platform Auto industry information and data comprehensive portal with monthly independent visits exceeding 1 million and electronic daily newsletter subscriptions reaching 100,000 users. Hosts the 360° Automotive Industry Forum (360°汽车产业论坛), with 100,000+ registered enterprise members and 300,000+ industry resources. Includes online exhibition platform cooperating with 60+ first-tier exhibition companies.
• Automotive Industry Big Data Intelligent Analysis Platform (汽车产业大数据智能分析平台) Industry big data analysis platform covering all aspects of the automotive industry, enabling users to search industry information and directly output analysis results, significantly improving decision-making efficiency. Backed by core data mining, intelligent processing, and visualization application technologies.
• 民意通 Public Opinion Monitoring System Internet public opinion monitoring system providing government districts with real-time social media and internet sentiment tracking and analysis. Used by Shanghai Jiading, Jing'an, Yangpu, Zhabei, and Changning District Governments.
• Enterprise Public Opinion (企业舆情) Solution Enterprise reputation monitoring solution helping brands mine, analyze, and respond to brand-related public opinion and industry intelligence with sentiment analysis, classification, and early warning capabilities.
• Intelligent Recruitment (智能招聘) Application Mobile intelligent recruitment application using machine learning for automated resume screening, candidate-job matching, and deduplication, achieving 90% recruitment efficiency improvement.
• Big Data Education Tools (大数据教研工具) Big data teaching and research tools bringing intelligent transformation to teaching, research, evaluation, and resource management, including subject databases, intelligent teaching platforms, and personalized learning guidance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 正时通配 database serves multiple major e-commerce platforms and parts distributors through annual service agreements, covering 137 manufacturers and 15,000+ vehicle models with 50 million+ data records
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 复旦大学新闻学院 (Fudan University School of Journalism)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2010, TIMER established the 'Fudan News - TIMER Network Communication Impact Laboratory' with Fudan's journalism experimental teaching center. TIMER's Chairman Xu Jinquan serves as deputy director. The lab focuses on network communication impact research combining journalism expertise with big data analytics.
• 上海交通大学中德语言技术实验室 (Shanghai Jiao Tong University Chinese-German Language Technology Lab)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2009, TIMER and SJTU's Chinese-German Language Technology Lab jointly applied for the national 863 High-Tech Research and Development Program. Joint R&D focus on NLP, text mining, and pattern recognition technologies for practical text semantic value applications.
• 上海对外贸易学院 (Shanghai University of International Business and Economics)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2008, TIMER's Chairman Xu Jinquan was appointed as distinguished professor at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.
• 上海交通大学安泰经济管理学院 (Shanghai Jiao Tong University Antai College of Economics and Management)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2009, TIMER's Chairman Xu Jinquan was appointed as career development mentor at SJTU's Antai College.
• 德国机动车监督协会 (German TÜV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership established in 2008 for dealer audit and certification research services in China. Jointly conducted dealer audit research projects for Shanghai Volkswagen Skoda and BMW.
• 日本大兴株式会社 (Japanese Daixing Corporation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2010, TIMER signed a long-term cooperation memorandum with Japan's Daixing Corporation to become its partner for automotive-related manual production and consulting services including user manuals, repair manuals, and parts manuals.
• 美国密歇根大学迪尔本学院 (University of Michigan-Dearborn)minorOthersAcademic partnership with University of Michigan-Dearborn for automotive industry research collaboration.
• 中国数字化营销与服务产业联盟 (China Digital Marketing & Service Industry Alliance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTIMER serves as the inaugural secretariat unit and as chairman unit of the Social Media Group. In 2014, TIMER co-founded the alliance with leading digital marketing companies to drive digital marketing standard-setting. WebInsight's Research Director Chen Yanbing serves as组长 of the social media standards working group.
• JATO DynamicscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership established in 2011 as JATO's China region partner. JATO is a global vehicle data provider, and the partnership enables TIMER to access and integrate global automotive data for Chinese market analysis.
• Eaton (伊顿)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormal partnership established in 2011. Eaton is a global power management company, and TIMER provides automotive parts market research and consulting services.
• 腾讯/百度/阿里 (Tencent/Baidu/Alibaba)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTIMER led the establishment of the 'Digital Marketing & Service Industry Alliance' as an independent third-party institution, partnering with Tencent, Baidu, Alibaba and other large internet companies, well-known marketing agencies, and international brand advertisers to promote digital marketing standard-setting.
• 复旦新闻-时代嘉道网络传播影响力实验室coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint lab with Fudan University School of Journalism for network communication impact research, combining journalism domain expertise with TIMER's big data technology capabilities.
• 中国汽车维修行业协会汽车维修配件工作委员会coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTIMER serves as Vice Chairman of the Auto Parts Working Committee under the China Auto Maintenance & Repair Industry Association, positioning the company in the automotive aftermarket standards ecosystem.
• 上海市信息服务行业协会coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTIMER serves as a council member of the Shanghai Information Services Industry Association and hosts the Shanghai Digital Marketing Professional Committee as secretariat unit.
• 上海大数据产业技术创新战略联盟/上海大数据联盟coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTIMER is a member unit of the Shanghai Big Data Industry Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance and was elected as vice-chairman unit of the Shanghai Big Data Alliance for the second term in 2019.
• 中国汽车工程学会coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTIMER became a member unit of the China Automotive Engineering Society in 2012. Chairman Xu Jinquan, VP Li Bin, and Research Director Chen Yanbing hold individual memberships.
• 乘用车配件联席会 (乘配联)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIn 2010, TIMER became the domestic partner of the Passenger Vehicle Parts Joint Committee (乘配联), supporting standardized parts data and distribution research in the automotive aftermarket.
• 第一财经研究院minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Yicai Research Institute for industry research collaboration and shared insights on market trends and business intelligence.
• 财经研究院minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for industry and market intelligence collaboration.
• 中欧国际工商学院校友金融与投资俱乐部minorOthersTIMER management team includes CEIBS alumni; partnership through the CEIBS Finance & Investment Alumni Club for networking and deal flow in the investment community.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• J.D. Power: Global automotive market research, consumer insights, and quality benchmarking firm with significant China operations. Competes with TIMER in automotive market research, dealer/channel analytics, and consumer sentiment studies for OEMs.
• iResearch (艾瑞咨询): Leading Chinese internet and industry research firm offering market data, consulting, and standard reports. Directly comparable to TIMER's Jia Zhi Dao Auto Consulting and broader big data intelligence platform in terms of subscription data products and bespoke research.
• Meltwater: Global media intelligence and social listening platform. Direct functional peer to TIMER's WebInsight product for brand reputation monitoring, digital marketing evaluation, and consumer sentiment analytics.
• Brandwatch (Cision): Global consumer intelligence and social listening platform now part of Cision. Direct functional peer to WebInsight for internet brand monitoring, KOL analytics, and consumer feedback intelligence at enterprise scale.
• JATO Dynamics: Global automotive market and vehicle data provider covering specs, pricing, and sales intelligence. TIMER is JATO's China partner since 2011, and JATO is the most directly comparable business model in automotive data outside China.
• Marklines: Global automotive industry information platform providing vehicle, parts, and supplier data with deep coverage of the Chinese market. Directly comparable to TIMER's vehicle-parts database and OEM/parts supplier intelligence offerings.
• QuestAuto: Chinese automotive big data and digital marketing intelligence platform serving OEMs and dealers. Direct peer to TIMER in automotive data, dealer network analytics, and digital marketing evaluation.

Broad incumbents

• CATARC (China Automotive Technology and Research Center): Government-affiliated Chinese automotive research institute providing industry data, standards, and consulting. A broad incumbent competitor to TIMER in automotive market research and policy-facing intelligence work.
• Autohome (汽车之家): China's largest automotive consumer and data platform, hosting auto data, leads, and dealer analytics at national scale. A broader incumbent that competes with TIMER in automotive data, dealer network intelligence, and OEM marketing services.
• S&P Global Mobility: Global automotive data and analytics powerhouse (formerly IHS Markit), offering vehicle forecasts, supplier intelligence, and aftermarket data. A much larger broad incumbent that overlaps with TIMER's OEM/parts data subscriptions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

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 TIMER