Consumers are moving fast with AI. Are dealers keeping pace?
In the latest Automotive News “Up To Speed” interview, Cox Automotive’s Chase Abbott joins host Emma Hancock to discuss findings from the new Cox Automotive AI in Auto Retail Tracker and what they reveal about the growing gap between shopper expectations and dealer readiness.
Today, 61% of vehicle shoppers say they plan to use AI during their next purchase journey, and many already trust AI-powered tools to help guide their decisions. At the same time, relatively few dealers are actively adjusting their business strategies for AI search and discovery.
Abbott shares why this disconnect feels familiar, drawing parallels to the early days of digital retailing when consumer behavior shifted faster than dealership operations. He also explores why many dealers feel overwhelmed by the pace of change, despite rising AI adoption across the industry.
Most importantly, the conversation highlights what sets successful dealerships apart: a clear strategy, trusted partners and practical ways to use AI across their operations.
Watch the short discussion above to hear Abbott’s perspective on where the industry stands today and what dealers can do now to better align with consumers relying on AI to discover and evaluate vehicles.
