Is your dealership struggling to convert online leads into showroom appointments? You’re not alone. Many automotive professionals focus on getting leads, but miss the critical step of engaging them effectively to drive sales.

Here’s what you’ll get from this episode:

• Implement Paul de Vries’ 6-step lead-handling process to increase appointments.**
• Understand the crucial role of speed and human connection in online lead conversion.**
• Learn how to best integrate AI to support, not replace, human sales efforts.**
• Discover how to build a team that excels at lead follow-up and customer engagement.**

Paul de Vries, founder of the Digital Car Dealer Workshop and BDC co-owner, shares his proven methodology for dramatically improving lead response times and, most importantly, turning those leads into sales.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:27 AI vs Human Connection

06:22 Six Steps to Better Calls

09:49 Speed to Contact Results

11:05 Hiring and Coaching BDC Teams

12:36 EVs and Chinese Brands in Europe

15:03 Wrap Up

The AI hype is real, and every vendor at NADA claims to have the next big thing for your car dealership. But as you consider integrating new tools, are you truly solving problems or just inviting new ones? The promise of AI in automotive retail is vast, yet without a strategic approach and "human in the loop," the technology can quickly become a costly distraction.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why generic AI solutions often fail to deliver real ROI in a dealership setting.
• How to identify and choose AI tools that provide actionable data instead of just affirming biases.
• The critical role of "organic intelligence" in leveraging AI to move more metal and improve fixed ops.
• Strategies for avoiding common technological pitfalls that lead to change management nightmares.

Mackenzie Wiltrout, VP of Innovation at Stream Companies, shares her expert perspective on finding impactful AI that genuinely drives dealer growth.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:11 AI Hype Versus Impact

03:14 Proof And ROI Data

05:59 Humans In The Loop

07:57 Bias And Obliging Chatbots

11:03 Stream Vision Orange OS

13:25 Data Vacuum Dangers

16:17 Outro

AI is rapidly changing the automotive retail landscape. The question isn't whether it will impact your car dealership, but how to leverage it without alienating your customers. Are you ready to integrate AI in a way that amplifies, rather than diminishes, human connection and trust?

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why 90% of consumers still prefer human interaction even while using AI.
• How to use AI to drive "auto un-intenders" – high-value customers who aren't actively shopping – to your store.
• The critical role of brand health in retaining loyal customers and avoiding the "race to the bottom" on pricing.
• Practical strategies to make your dealership more accessible to your target audience using audio channels.

Joey Zanetis, Executive Vice President at iHeart Media Automotive, shares insights from extensive consumer studies on bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI and the timeless need for human connection in sales.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:53 Guaranteed Human Explained

04:00 Redefining Smart in AI

06:48 Human vs Machine Trust

08:00 Influencers and Honest Reviews

11:01 Brand Health and Trust

15:32 Cross Platform Audio Strategy

20:18 Auto Unintenders and Profit

22:36 Podcast Outro