• Dealers are abandoning broad AI promises and choosing targeted tools that show immediate ROI.
  • AI is already cutting costs and improving efficiency in specific dealership functions.
  • Dealers are asking where AI saves time or money today — not what it might do in five years.
  • Small, low‑complexity pilots are becoming the preferred route to measurable gains.

What’s changing in dealer attitudes

Dealership leaders are moving past excitement for futuristic AI and focusing instead on practical deployments that produce measurable returns. With the NADA Show on the horizon, the industry narrative has shifted: investments are judged by short‑term savings and simpler integration, not by distant promise.

Where AI is delivering now

Dealers report visible gains in a handful of predictable areas. Common, low‑risk applications include:

Operational efficiency

AI-driven scheduling, parts forecasting and inventory recommendations help reduce stockouts and idle time — directly cutting costs.

Sales and lead handling

Automated lead routing and prioritization can speed follow-up, increasing conversion without adding staff complexity.

Service and customer touchpoints

Chatbots and automated appointment reminders reduce no‑shows and free service advisors to handle higher‑value work.

These targeted uses show why many dealers now demand concrete ROI before wider rollouts.

Why dealers are being selective

“They’re not asking what AI might do in five years. They’re asking where it already saves time or money today, without adding complexity.” — Mattias Kellquist, CEO

That line captures the industry mood. Dealers want solutions that plug into existing processes, prove value quickly and avoid adding technical overhead. The costs of failed pilots — wasted vendor fees, staff disruption, and the perception of wasted budget — are real deterrents.

Practical steps dealers are taking

To reduce risk and measure impact, dealerships are favoring:

  • Small pilots with clear KPIs (time saved, appointments kept, conversion lift).
  • Vendor tools that integrate with DMS and CRM systems to avoid duplicate work.
  • Phased rollouts that start with back‑office or service lanes before touching sales.

Why this matters

The shift from hype to targeted deployment matters because it means tech dollars are more likely to produce profit and operational resilience. For dealers, the priority is measurable improvement — fewer surprises, clearer cost savings, and tools that scale without creating new headaches.

Bottom line

As the industry converges on practical AI use, the winners will be dealers who insist on simple pilots, measurable KPIs and vendors who demonstrate real ROI. With the NADA Show coming up, expect more announcements focused on specific, proven applications rather than broad promises about a future that may never arrive.

Image Referance: https://www.progress-index.com/press-release/story/24212/us-car-dealers-move-past-ai-hype-as-targeted-deployments-deliver-real-roi/