The AI revolution: Dealerships automate calls, service scheduling, F&I training and more
AI-backed video-grading technology by myKaarma and TruVideo helps auto dealerships boost service revenue by coaching technicians to create higher-quality multipoint inspection videos.
From the back office to the sales floor, dealershipsnow weave high-powered artificial intelligence into daily routines.
Dozens of AI tools assess vehicle health, schedule appointments, handle telephone calls, process finance and insurance applications and respond to customer inquiries with video virtual assistants that behave almost like humans.
Additional AI tools are on the way, though the volume could overwhelm dealers, said Steve Greenfield, general partner at industry venture capital firm Automotive Ventures.
“I expect a proliferation of new AI tools for dealers,” Greenfield said. “The risk is that dealers become numb to all of these new companies pitching them, with no real way to discern between them.”
Here are some ways AI has entered dealership operations.
AI automates dealership phone calls
Dealerships tap AI-driven call automation software from a number of companies.
Flai, Toma, Numa, Stella Automotive AI and ScaleVoice are dealership specific, while national platforms such as Five9, Dialpad and Zendesk work with dealerships and other industries.
“It’s easy to use and makes us more money,” Burlison said.
Beyond customer communication, AI is helping transform service department efficiency.
AI-backed video-grading technology by myKaarma and TruVideo helps auto dealerships boost service revenue by coaching technicians to create higher-quality multipoint inspection videos.
“If the videos are good, more customers will watch them,” Tim Clark told Automotive News for a May story, describing the myKaarma technology his seven-store group uses. He is director of fixed operations at Auffenberg Dealer Group in Illinois.
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