“The reality is that being unprepared is a choice. The benefits come when we see AI as a tool, not a terror, and bring it into our sales motions.”

—Anita Nielsen (President, LDK Advisory Services)

AI is revolutionizing automotive retailing, but its true potential lies in pairing cutting-edge technology with user-focused design.

In "Driving the Future," Todd Smith explores how AI and UX intersect to create smarter, more intuitive solutions for dealerships and their customers. From virtual showrooms and predictive maintenance tools to AI-driven personalized recommendations, the article dives into key advancements and the challenges they bring—like AI bias and transparency.

With practical UX principles such as interpretability, trustworthiness, and adaptability, Todd outlines how dealerships can ensure AI enhances, rather than hinders, the car-buying journey. Curious about the role of hybrid interaction models and human-centered AI? This article has you covered.

Don't miss this roadmap for using AI to elevate dealership operations and customer experiences alike.

“Game-changing AI” sounds like a nightmare for those of us still holding onto flip-phones for moral support—but Google’s Gemini might just be worth a second look. This new AI tool is designed to work seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem, from syncing your calendar to drafting emails, checking traffic, and even crafting social media posts.

Gemini sets itself apart from ChatGPT by focusing on real-time integrations rather than conversational depth. It’s less about poetic prose and more about making your daily grind smoother. Think Siri, but actually useful—like it is in those Apple commercials.

While Gemini has had a few hiccups (including an alarming chatbot meltdown), its potential for dealerships is undeniable. Whether automating scheduling or enhancing customer service, Gemini aims to be your multitasking assistant. Approach it with cautious optimism—it might just be the AI ally your dealership didn’t know it needed.

Read “A Luddite’s Guide to Gemini” for more on how to start using the new tech today.

The Power of “This But That”

Striking the right tone in your dealership’s communication is key. You want your messages to be friendly but still professional, enthusiastic but not over-the-top, conversational but with authority. Getting that balance right makes your outreach feel authentic—and AI can help if you guide it clearly.

This Week’s Challenge: Use AI to craft communication that reflects your dealership’s unique tone with a “this but that” approach. Start with a specific task and clearly define the tone you’re aiming for.

Example Prompt

Reflection Questions:

• Did the AI strike the balance you wanted?

• What adjustments could make the tone feel even more aligned with your dealership’s personality?

• Does this tone fit the situation, or should it shift slightly for a different context?

Pro Tip: Use “this but that” pairs to adapt your tone for different audiences:

• “Casual but knowledgeable” for first-time customers.

• “Confident but welcoming” for high-value offers.

• “Helpful but concise” for service reminders.

Clear guidance leads to messaging that feels consistent and authentic—perfect for connecting with your customers.

In "When Boundaries Break Through," Ben Hadley takes a personal, late-night epiphany and connects it to AI’s role in human creativity. Reflecting on the power of constraints, Ben explains how AI thrives within defined boundaries—transforming structured knowledge into practical tools like specialized AIs for healthcare, law, and finance. But the true magic of creativity lies in breaking through those boundaries to craft something entirely original, a uniquely human trait.

With wit and insight, Ben explores how AI democratizes knowledge while amplifying the skills of its users, creating a powerful partnership between human ingenuity and machine precision. If you've ever wondered where humans end and AI begins, this article will challenge your thinking and inspire you to embrace the tension between structure and freedom.

Read it to fuel your creative fire!

All over the industry, people are thinking, talking, and working to ensure AI serves dealers well.

Check out this conversation we had with Brad Title of Gubagoo about the difference between “tools” and “solutions.”