CUTTING THROUGH THE HYPE: A SIX-STEP STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AI
HOW TO SET YOUR DEALERSHIP UP FOR AI SUCCESS IN 2026CONSUMER & AUTOMOTIVE TRENDS
Ready to cut through the noise? Discover the six essential steps every dealership needs to take to harness AI’s true potential, build a smarter strategy, and stay ahead in 2026 and beyond.
83% of consumers say AI will impact how they buy a car in the next 10 years.
64% have already experienced using AI
37% of dealers believe AI is important to the evolution of their operations
(Source: AI Readiness Study, October 2025)
STEP 1: Understand AI and Its Types
AI isn’t just one thing it’s a suite of technologies transforming automotive retail.
ACTION ITEMS:
Which types of AI are you and your team already familiar with,and which types should you focus on learning in the coming year?
STEP 2: Audit Your Current Tools and Workflows
Take stock of your current operations — what already uses AI?
Review your tech stack, marketing platforms, CRM, and inventory tools for AI features.
Differentiate between transactional (sales-focused) and informational (researchfocused) keywords and content
ACTION ITEMS:
WhatAI‑powered tools and workflows are you currently using and which ones should you add?
STEP 3: Define Your Goals
Set clear objectives for your AI strategy.
Are you aiming for greater efficiency, improved visibility, or higher conversion rates?
Consider how AI can help you achieve these goals whether it’s speeding up processes, attracting more shoppers, or closing more deals.
ACTION ITEMS:
Write down your top threeAI goals for your organization.
Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3
STEP 4: Align and Clean Your Data
Clean, structured data is the foundation of effective AI.
GEO data (location, shopper proximity, regional trends) plays a key role in AI performance
Ensure your digital presence is optimized for visibility AI can’t help if your store isn’t findable.
Regularly review and update your CRM, inventory, and website data.
ACTION ITEMS:
Run an audit of each of the above - note gaps below.Make an effort to start the year right by cleaning up your CRM and optimizing your website data to beAI ready.
STEP 5: Train and Build Your Team
AI is only as good as the people using it.
Encourage your team to experiment with AI tools and stay human-centric.
Identify and empower “AI champions” within your organization.
Plan for future hiring needs some roles may shift as AI adoption grows
ACTION ITEMS:
Name three ways you can encourage your staff to start usingAI to build more efficiencies and familiarity (e.g.,host anAI training session or workshop).
STEP6: Partner Smartly and Build Protocols
Choose partners and vendors who solve problems.
Choose vendors who are transparent about their AI capabilities and use a rigorous checklist to evaluate their solutions.
ACTION ITEMS:
Present five essential questions every dealer should ask any vendor claimingAI expertise (provided by our expert Rob DeGeorge)
VENDOR AI CHECKLIST:
WhatspecificAItechnologyareyouusing,andhowdoesitwork?
WhatdealershipdatadoesyourAIuse,andhowdoesitintegratewithmysystems?
WhatmeasurableoutcomeshasyourAIproducedfordealerslikeme?
WhatdoesyourAIautomatetoday,andwhatstillrequiresahuman?
Howdoyouensuredataprivacy,accuracy,andpreventhallucinationswithAI?
“Consumers are not afraid of technology They’re afraid of making the wrong decision”
Tessa Nadik
“Don’t evaluate AI by what it promises, instead evaluate it by the problems it solves and the outcomes that it produces”
Robert DeGeorge
Dealers who embrace AI-driven strategies unlock insights their competitors are still missing like how data, team enablement, and smart partnerships play a bigger role in driving sales than many realize With the right roadmap, they can make smarter investments, optimize their operations, and maximize every dollar spent.
Want to see the Automotive News webinar with Tessa Nadik and Rob DeGeorge? Check out the replay at the link above or by scanning the QR code.
