How Dominant Is AI at the Dealership?

The conversation around AI in automotive retail has shifted quickly from speculation and curiosity to reality. According to CDK’s latest AI at the Dealership study, nearly 40% of dealers are utilizing AI in some way at their stores with 77% of them already integrating AI tools into their systems. The trends aren’t likely to slow down with 22% actively planning investments. 

From chatbots to predictive analytics, AI is transforming how dealers manage customer interactions, streamline operations and tackle persistent challenges like employee retention and communication. 

While enthusiasm is high, caution remains. Dealers expect AI solutions to be tailored for automotive, with 63% emphasizing the need for comprehensive industry data and 47% wanting predictive models trained by automotive experts. CDK’s report also dives into lingering concerns — such as ROI and process alignment — and why 2025’s surge in adoption could set the stage for an even bigger leap in 2026.

Key insights from the AI at the Dealership report include:

• AI Growth at the Dealership
• The Most Common Uses of AI in Variable and Fixed Ops
• What’s Working Now for Dealers
• Top Concerns of AI Use and Implementation

To explore how far the industry has come with AI, what’s driving adoption, and where the biggest opportunities lie, download the AI In Automotive: Insights and Innovations 2025 study.