The data revolution has arrived at automotive dealerships' doorsteps, and those who harness it effectively are seeing remarkable results. Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) have quickly evolved from industry jargon to essential technology that's transforming how dealerships connect with car shoppers and owners.

In this illuminating conversation, Cox Automotive executives Jade Teraberry and Susan Blue demystify CDPs and reveal why they've become so critical for dealership success. They explain that while many vendors are now selling standalone CDP solutions requiring significant investment, Cox Automotive has taken a different approach – embedding comprehensive CDP capabilities directly into the tools dealers already use daily. This native integration allows dealerships to activate real-time consumer insights without adding new systems, training, or complexity to their operations.

What makes Cox Automotive's CDP approach particularly powerful is the unparalleled data foundation beneath it. With 5.1 trillion vehicle insights annually and nearly 3 billion consumer insights, the system creates unified customer profiles enriched with granular shopping behavior. Their "human in the loop" approach combines AI automation with the human touch, ensuring every customer communication is personalized and relevant. As Jade notes, "You don't waste a penny speaking to a consumer with a message that isn't relevant to where they are in the process right now."

For dealers navigating the complex world of customer data management, the experts offer clear guidance: partner with companies that have the most comprehensive data resources, and ensure insights can be activated in real-time through existing workflows. The future belongs to dealerships that can deliver truly personalized experiences while making every marketing dollar work harder. Ready to transform how you connect with today's digital-first car shoppers?

Driving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

The automotive retail landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with dealerships facing a sobering 30% decline in profitability compared to 2022 highs. Market volatility, rising floor plan expenses, and increasing advertising costs are squeezing margins like never before. But amidst these challenges, forward-thinking dealers are discovering pathways to sustainable success.

In this eye-opening conversation with Brendan Reardon, Associate Vice President of Sales at Cox Automotive, we unpack the strategies that top-performing dealerships are implementing to thrive despite market headwinds. The secret lies in the powerful combination of data intelligence and customer-centric selling approaches that fundamentally transform the car buying journey.

Today's car buyers aren't just seeking vehicles – they're demanding experiences. They want to buy cars rather than be sold them, through processes that are transparent, collaborative, and respectful of their time and intelligence. This shift requires dealerships to leverage sophisticated data tools that identify the most promising leads before they even reach out, and then respond with hyper-personalized communications that acknowledge the wealth of information customers now share about themselves and their preferences.

The results speak volumes: dealerships utilizing AI-powered solutions like Deal Central are experiencing double the close rates, 15% higher back-end profit, and hundreds more in profitability per deal. These impressive metrics stem from creating experiences where shoppers encounter consistent information across all touchpoints, collaborate side-by-side with sales professionals, and ultimately leave feeling confident in their purchase decision. When executed properly, this approach creates a virtuous cycle of satisfied customers who are 4.5 times more likely to share their positive experiences on social media and 3 times more likely to return for future purchases. Ready to transform your dealership's approach to meet the evolved expectations of today's car buyers? This episode provides your roadmap.

Driving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.