CDK CONNECT 2025: Dealer Success Strategies, Breakout Sessions and On-Demand Access

What’s CDK CONNECT?

CDK CONNECT is CDK’s annual virtual event designed to equip dealers with the latest industry insights, technology updates and strategic guidance. Now in its fifth year, the event continues to be a cornerstone for dealership success, offering on-demand access to all keynote presentations and breakout sessions.

“We pay close attention to the strategies dealers use to win, listening to you, regarding what’s working and what’s not, and how we can be a better partner.” 

– Barb Edson, CMO, CDK

Watch CDK CONNECT 2025 on Demand

Industry Trends and Dealer Challenges

In the Industry Trends keynote, Barb Edson and David Thomas, director of content marketing and industry analyst at CDK, addressed the biggest challenges facing dealerships today — from economic pressures and tariffs to shifting buyer behavior. Urgency in purchases is rising, but long-term affordability concerns are reshaping expectations.

Inventory remains a key issue. CDK’s Ease of Purchase Scorecard shows fewer buyers are finding the vehicles they want, prompting top dealers to lean into used inventory and tools like Vehicle Inventory Suite (VIS) for smarter pricing.

F&I strategies are evolving, too, with extended warranties and prepaid maintenance gaining traction as buyers view vehicles as long-term investments.

Service departments are also under pressure. Despite digital options, most customers still call to book appointments. Yet, 30% face issues and average hold times reach nine minutes, risking loyalty and revenue.

“Service, in uncertain economic times like we’re in, is more important than ever.” 

– David Thomas, director of content marketing, CDK 

Explore more insights like the Ease of Purchase Scorecard from CDK.

Partnership, Innovation and Resilience in Automotive Retail

Brian MacDonald, CEO of CDK, highlighted the importance of visiting with dealers, listening and learning, a foundational approach that drives CDK’s mission to help dealerships succeed.

“At CDK, that’s our core mission — to help dealers sell and service more vehicles and be as efficient as they possibly can.”
– Brian MacDonald, CEO, CDK 

These conversations have led to the development and expansion of impactful solutions like the Dealership Xperience Platform and CDK SimplePay, delivering measurable results:

• 35% greater accounting efficiency
• 50% reduction in time spent merchandising vehicles
• 25% increase in scheduled sales appointments
• 25% more hours per RO with TechVideo
• 20% more precise revenue forecasting

CDK continues to invest in AI innovation, but as MacDonald emphasized, these advancements are only possible through strong partnerships and dealer feedback.

Dealer Success: Real-World Impact

A shining example of such a partnership is the Rick Case Automotive Group, led by President and CEO Rita Case. With over 48 years of experience, Rita has seen the industry navigate challenges like tariffs and high interest rates. 

Rick Case Automotive Group has partnered with CDK since 1980, and over the decades, the relationship has grown through mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving dealership operations through technology.

“CDK has been a partner with us. We’ve grown, and there is no reason we’ve found to make a change.”
– Rita Case, president and CEO, Rick Case Automotive Group

This enduring partnership and the stories shared serve as a powerful reminder: Resilience, innovation and collaboration are the keys to driving the future of automotive retail.

Explore more customer success stories.

Driving Innovation at CDK 

CDK is redefining automotive retail through bold innovation. With R&D investments rivaling competitors’ entire revenues, and 50 years of experience, CDK focuses on enhancing consumer experiences, boosting dealership performance, and improving margins. 

Tools like MyDay and AIVA streamline sales and service workflows, while the Intelligence Suite delivers AI-powered insights and predictive models. 

“Our predictive repair model is 20% more accurate than our competitors. That’s 20% more revenue.” 

– Sanjay Almeida, chief product & technology officer, CDK

Dealers are seeing real value through smarter, faster decision-making. From integrated scheduling via Google to embedded payment solutions like SimplePay, CDK empowers dealers to meet customers where they are — and drive measurable results.

Training and Certification: CDK University

CDK University continues to be a cornerstone of dealership enablement, offering role-based learning paths and product certifications that help teams stay sharp, confident and ready to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

In 2025, CDK launched the industry’s first-ever role-based certification program, offering over 100 certifications, completely free for CDK dealers. These certifications are tailored to specific dealership roles, ensuring that every team member, from Sales to Service to the Back Office, has access to relevant, impactful training.

“At Zeigler, we want only the best, and CDK has been that for many years.” 

– Sam D’Arc, COO, Zeigler Auto Group

CDK’s commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in its internal standards as well. The CDK team, with an average tenure of over 10 years, is also participating in certification programs to stay aligned with evolving dealership needs.

This focus on training and support is delivering measurable results:

• Customer Care Response Times: Dealers can reach CDK support in under one minute by chat and under two minutes by phone.
• Customer Satisfaction: CDK boasts a customer satisfaction score over 90%, significantly above the industry benchmark.
• Ongoing Innovation: CDK is continuously auditing, analyzing and refining its customer experience strategies to ensure dealers receive the best possible support.

Breakout Sessions: Deep Dives Into Dealer Operations

Attendees had access to a robust lineup of breakout sessions, offering tactical insights across dealership departments:

• Front Office Transformation: Enhancing customer engagement and operational flow
• Fixed Ops Innovation: Driving efficiency and profitability in Service departments
• Accounting and Finance Streamlining: Simplifying Back Office processes
• Platform Integration and Fortellis: Connecting systems for seamless data flow
• Heavy Truck Insights: Addressing unique challenges in commercial vehicle sales

Watch CDK CONNECT 2025 on Demand

CDK CONNECT 2025 reinforced a powerful message: When dealers win, the industry moves forward. From tackling today’s challenges to preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities, CDK is committed to being a trusted partner every step of the way.

Missed a session? Want to revisit a keynote? All content from CDK CONNECT is available on demand.