Dealer Tech Talk

Voice AI used to feel experimental.

Clunky. Robotic. Not quite ready for real customers.

That’s changed.

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona explores how voice AI has crossed a threshold — moving from novelty technology to something that can deliver measurable operational benefits in dealerships today.

We cut through the hype and focus on reality:

What voice AI actually is
 Where it works well today
 Where it doesn’t
 Why integration with your DMS is critical
 How it reduces missed calls and staff interruptions
 What happens when AI is deployed into broken processes
 Where outbound AI calling is heading next

Voice AI is not about replacing people.
 It’s about handling repeatable, structured conversations so your team can focus on higher-value interactions.

If you’re running a dealership and haven’t yet thought seriously about voice AI, this episode explains why now is the time.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts
 📥 Download the free guide at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

Dealer Tech Talk is sponsored by DMS Navigator and MyAutoCompanion.

Is investing in a new DMS really worth it — or is it just another cost dealerships are forced to accept?

In this solo episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona tackles one of the most common (and quietly asked) questions in the motor trade: what is the real ROI of a dealer management system?

Rather than focusing on software features or price, Simon breaks down where DMS value actually comes from — efficiency, consistency, scalability, and better use of people’s time — and why the mindset dealers have towards their DMS often determines whether they see a return at all.

In this episode, we cover:

Why a DMS doesn’t directly “sell” — and why that misses the point

How efficiency and process drive real profitability

The biggest mistakes dealers make when implementing a DMS

Why poor integration creates wasted time and hidden costs

How better data visibility improves decision-making

Why changing a DMS alone won’t fix broken business processes

What high-performing dealers do differently to achieve 5x–10x ROI

■ If you’re a Dealer Principal, Manager, or Business Owner considering a DMS change — or wondering if you’re getting enough value from your current system — this episode will help you rethink how ROI is really created.

■ Download the guide that accompanies this episode:
https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

■ Sponsors

DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System that boosts efficiency, improves customer service, and helps dealers grow profits.
https://www.dmsnavigator.com/

MyAutoCompanion — the customer app that keeps buyers connected, increases retention, and grows lifetime dealer revenue.
https://www.myautocompanion.com/

AI is everywhere in automotive — but what does it mean for dealerships today, and where is it really heading?
In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, host Simon Verona sits down with Gerard Thatcher, automotive veteran and founder of MotorTech.ai, to cut through the hype and explore the future of dealership AI from a dealer’s perspective.
With over 30 years in the motor trade, Gerard explains how AI agents are already transforming sales, lead nurturing, and customer experience — and why the smartest dealerships are using AI to support their people, not replace them.
Together, we discuss:
• What AI agents really are (and how they differ from basic chatbots)
• Where AI delivers the biggest wins for dealerships today
• How AI can nurture leads, qualify customers, and improve conversion rates
• The risks of “bad AI” — and what dealers must look for in secure, compliant solutions
• How sales teams and AI can work together to drive better outcomes
• What the next 2–5 years of dealership AI will realistically look like


■ Whether you’re a Dealer Principal, Sales Manager, or Automotive Leader, this episode will help you understand how to adopt AI with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
■ Download the guide that accompanies this episode at
https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides
 
■ Sponsors
DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System that boosts efficiency, improves customer service, and helps dealers grow profits.
https://www.dmsnavigator.com/
MyAutoCompanion — the customer app that keeps buyers connected, increases retention, and grows lifetime dealer revenue.
https://www.myautocompanion.com/

Do  dealerships really need their own app — or is a website enough?

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, host Simon Verona explores how dealer apps are becoming one of the most powerful tools for customer retention, brand loyalty, and operational efficiency across car and motorhome dealerships.

Customers expect faster, more personal digital experiences. Apps deliver exactly that — from service tracking and booking to push notifications, invoice payments, and long-term customer engagement.

In this episode, we cover:

Why apps outperform websites and email for customer engagement

How apps improve brand loyalty and repeat business

Real dealer examples using apps to reduce calls, queues, and admin

How service tracking and in-app payments transform the customer experience

Why even 20–30% app adoption can make a major operational difference

When dealerships should start their app journey — and how to do it properly

If customers track pizza deliveries on their phone, why wouldn’t they expect the same transparency when their car is in for service?

This episode also explains how dealer apps benefit your team, not just your customers — freeing staff from repetitive admin and allowing them to focus on high-value customer interactions.

📘 Download the free guide that accompanies this episode:
https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

🎙️ Dealer Tech Talk explores how technology is transforming car and motorhome dealerships.

Sponsored by:
DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System designed to help you be more efficient, deliver better customer service, and improve profits.
MyAutoCompanion — the customer app that increases retention, keeps buyers connected, and improves lifetime customer income and profit.

What does it really take to build dealer software that works in the real world?

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, host Simon Verona sits down with Conor Moran, founder of Eskimo Software, to talk openly about the realities of building software for car dealerships.

They explore:

Why many dealer systems struggle with adoption

What dealers actually need from modern dealer software

The balance between powerful features and simple day-to-day usability

Lessons learned from building and scaling a dealership technology platform

Where dealer software and digital retailing are heading next

This is a practical, honest conversation for independent and franchised dealers, dealer principals, and anyone involved in choosing, using, or building dealer technology.

🎙 About Dealer Tech Talk
Dealer Tech Talk is the podcast for car and motorhome dealers, exploring how technology can improve efficiency, customer experience, and profitability.

🌐 Download free guides at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

🎯 Sponsored by:

DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System designed to help you work more efficiently, stay compliant, and improve profits.

MyAutoCompanion — increasing customer retention, keeping buyers connected, and improving lifetime customer income and profit.

👍 If you found this useful, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes.

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon walks  through the 7 most common problems dealerships face with their DMS systems, and how to avoid them.

From hidden costs and compliance gaps to poor onboarding and clunky user experiences, these are the lessons every dealer should know before choosing or upgrading their system.

💡 Key takeaway: The best DMS fits your people and processes, not the other way around.

🎧 Tune in now and make sure your DMS works for you, not against

📥 Download the accompanying guide here:  https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides 

Dealer Tech Talk is proudly sponsored by:
DMS Navigator — improving efficiency, service, and profitability.
MyAutoCompanion — boosting retention, connection, and lifetime customer value.

In Episode 4 of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona dives deep into one of the most transformative topics in the motor trade today: AI Agents — what they are, how they work, and why dealerships need to start implementing them now.

If you aren’t looking at AI in your dealership today, you’ll be outperformed by someone who is.
But it’s not about using AI… it’s about using it intelligently.

In this episode, Simon breaks down everything dealers need to know to get ahead.

Practical Takeaways for Dealers:

• Start with one workflow (service bookings or lead triage are ideal).
• Demand evidence from vendors: ROI, pilot results, audit logs.
• Implement AI where it enhances your people — not replaces them.

Listen, Learn & Level Up;

Dealer Tech Talk is proudly sponsored by:
DMS Navigator — improving efficiency, service, and profitability.
MyAutoCompanion — boosting retention, connection, and lifetime customer value.

Download the supporting guides:
https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

What you’ll discover in this episode:

How AI agents like Johnny5 handle repetitive tasks and improve first-time responses.

The importance of knowledge management for effective AI.

AI in help desk operations and internal support.

Upcoming AI innovations, including voice assistants for instant customer interaction.

Advice for newcomers to technology and AI roles.

Sponsors:

DMS Navigator – Dealer Management System that boosts efficiency, customer service, and profits.

MyAutoCompanion – App that increases retention, keeps buyers connected, and improves lifetime customer income.

Downloadable guides and resources: www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Dealer Tech Talk on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform for more insights on technology transforming dealerships.

Running a dealership can be rewarding — but it can also be stressful, overwhelming, and at times, isolating. 

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona is joined by Tim Hargraves, executive coach and founder of The Motor Coach.

After more than 20 years leading dealerships at Marriott Motor Group, Tim now helps automotive managers and leaders beat overwhelm, rebuild confidence, and rediscover their passion for the motor trade.

Together, we discuss:
- The biggest causes of stress for dealership leaders today
- Why imposter syndrome and burnout are common in the motor industry
- Simple mindset shifts to reduce overwhelm
- How coaching can transform leadership and work-life balance
- The skills future dealership leaders will need in an AI-driven world

■ Whether you’re a Dealer Principal, Manager, or Rising Leader, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you thrive.

■ Download Tim's Guide that goes with this podcast at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

■ Sponsors
- DMS Navigator —  the DMS that boosts efficiency, delivers enhanced customer service and helps  dealers grow profits.
- MyAutoCompanion — The customer app that keeps buyers connected, improves retention, and
increases lifetime dealer revenue.

Auto Trader’s new Deal Builder feature has triggered one of the strongest reactions the motor trade has seen in years. Many dealers are questioning its impact on leads, data, finance, and overall control of the sales process.

In this special roundtable episode, Simon Verona brings together dealers and industry experts to explore what Deal Builder means for the independent sector — and whether now is the time to reduce reliance on Auto Trader.

What We Discuss

What Deal Builder actually is

How it changes the customer journey

Why dealers are frustrated

The loss of deep links and its impact

The effect on finance, warranty and profitability

Are dealer complaints justified?

Practical alternatives

How to diversify your lead sources safely

Steps to reduce dependency on Auto Trader

‍

Who’s On the Panel

Jim Reid — Jim Reid Vehicle Sales

Josh Apps — V12 Automobil

Fraser Brown — Motorvise

Gary Monaghan — Digital Remarketing Solutions

Ian Godbold — IGC Digital

Neil Smith — Motorvait

Hosted by: Simon Verona

Download the guide that accompanies the episode from https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides