KAR Global on Tuesday announced a strategic investment in and North American commercial partnership with Ravin AI, saying that the partnership boosts its data-driven digital capabilities.

Ravin AI is an international provider of automated, mobile and CCTV-based artificial intelligence services for vehicle inspections serving worldwide fleet, insurance and remarketing customers.

KAR said that for its customers, the partnership will also enable the flow of inspection information, data and images throughout the entire remarketing lifecycle.

Ravin currently supports some of KAR’s North American commercial customers. The companies plan to accelerate product development and to expand the use and adoption of Ravin’s technology.

The inclusion of Ravin in KAR’s portfolio adds mobile-based artificial intelligence capabilities for damage detection and vehicle representation through a self-inspect or company-inspect model.

This flexibility and interoperability with customer and third-party systems allows application of Ravin’s technology across the remarketing sector and the automotive industry overall.

Data-rich tools for end-of-lease processing, pre-auction inspections, dealer aftersales, fleet maintenance and condition monitoring are among the key applications.

KAR president Peter Kelly said advanced, integrated inspection capabilities are important to KAR customers’ success in the new digital age.

“Ravin AI has developed the most powerful and progressive computer vision, deep learning, and self-inspection solutions on the market,” Kelly said in a news release.

Kelly also said, “These tools will accelerate and enhance the vehicle inspection process, helping our customers make smarter, more informed selling and buying decisions and achieve better outcomes. We look forward to working alongside Ravin to advance the next generation of inspection technology and extend our leadership position in digital marketplaces.”

KAR led Ravin’s Round A financing. Ravin’s existing investors, FM Capital and PICO Venture Partners, also participated in this round. Shell Ventures, the investment arm of Royal Dutch Shell, and individual investors such as General Motors' former chief executive officer, Rick Wagoner, were other investors in the company.

Ravin AI co-founder and chief executive officer, Eliron Ekstein said the company was pleased to be part of KAR’s digital strategy.

“And we look forward to empowering their North American commercial, financial, fleet, rental and dealer customers with our innovative inspection solutions,” Ekstein said. “Digital marketplaces require trust, ease and highly integrated systems to help all participants succeed — all foundational elements of KAR’s platforms today. Together, we will make the inspection process easier, faster and more connected for everyone.”