Over the past few weeks, JATO has attended two major US conferences, Digital Dealer and Reuters Automotive, where we had a front-row seat to some of the industry’s most pressing concerns and innovations.
Here, we’re sharing the key takeaways from both events, what these signal for the future of automotive retail, and importantly, the essential role that vehicle data needs to play.
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AI powering efficiency and personalisation
Digital Dealer made one thing clear: artificial intelligence (AI) is not only a buzzword. It’s a transformative force expected to drive retail innovation and efficiency over the next five years. Prominent dealer groups discussed a future in which AI’s role in automotive retail will mirror that of Amazon's personalised experiences. Today, AI is already reshaping processes from customer interaction to inventory management, lead follow-up, and digital marketing automation.
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EV opportunities and growing pains
Discussions around electric vehicles (EVs) took place at both events, though the conversation wasn’t as strong as those that marked earlier industry hype.
At Digital Dealer, dealers spoke frankly about the challenges ahead. EV inventory is rising on their lots, yet consumer enthusiasm for EVs appears to have declined due to various concerns, including range anxiety which remains a significant barrier to adoption. They reported that more sophisticated marketing strategies, comprehensive dealer and customer education, and support from OEMs would assist EV success.
At the Reuters conference, the mood was more optimistic. The impact of the US election outcome will undoubtably impact on EV infrastructure, with potential boosts or setbacks for charging station deployment and tax incentives available to EV owners and businesses. With Hyundai’s new $6 billion EV plant in Savannah and the introduction of the Iconic 5 - the first fully electric vehicle produced in the US - the momentum is there.
There were some parallels, most notably a recognition that potential car buyers may not be educated on how to truly compare EVs to traditional ICEs. They also might not know how to interpret the various specifications and data around batteries, charge time and range. As an industry, it’s clear more work is needed to equip shoppers with adequate knowledge.
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AI use in manufacturing to improve safety and efficiency
At the Reuters conference, AI’s application in manufacturing was a key focus. Its role in both enhancing vehicle design and production efficiency, and in progressing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features was considered. With shorter innovation cycles and heightened consumer expectations, AI is helping manufacturers improve product quality and shorten time-to-market, while simultaneously addressing safety concerns and reinforcing more trust in next-generation vehicles.
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Software-defined vehicles
Another topic explored at Reuters was the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which promise to make cars as much about their software as they are about their hardware. From safety notifications and infotainment systems based on GPS, to performance enhancements and software updates, SDVs represent a substantial leap forward in vehicle technology.
The need for reliable, accurate automotive intelligence
Many of the key themes discussed at these automotive shows highlight why comprehensive vehicle data is vital for automotive retail success.
Quality intelligence powers AI tools. It enables car sellers to improve interactions with customers, enhance landing pages and vehicle detail pages (VDPs), and optimise positioning and competitive comparisons. Similarly, it allows car buyers to access the information they need, and have their questions answered in a timely and accurate manner. The right insights enable smarter decisions to be made.
Over the last 40 years, we’ve seen third-party intelligence become more integrated with – and more critical to – existing systems. Using trusted data can empower internal teams and enhance customer experiences by seamlessly informing interactions and addressing unique needs. Our focus is on transforming data into actionable insights that help educate internal teams so they can provide the very best customer experience and care.
In our experience, leveraging vehicle data and market insights enables the automotive industry to enrich sales tools, training aids, and customer engagement strategies. By focusing on providing robust intelligence and staying up to date with the latest technology – from AI to EVs – we aim to support the automotive retail sector in delivering excellent customer experiences and, ultimately, growth.
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