GM & Googles OnStar AI technology expands, Ford Pro unveils new EV charger, Hyundai looks to rival with EV charger

Aug 26, 2023

The future of artificial intelligence in the dealership — Kevin Frye | Jeff Wyler Automotive FamilyThe automotive industry is evolving once more as artificial intelligence transforms how car dealers and manufacturers conduct business and serve customers. One of the thought leaders at the forefront of this shift is Kevin Frye, marketing director at the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family. Watch the full segment here

General Motors revealed on August 29 that it’s collaborating with Google to examine ways to apply AI technologies throughout the automakers’ operations. The Detroit automaker and Google Cloud unit have expanded their earlier collaboration on GM’s OnStar Interactive Virtual Assistant (IVA), which launched in 2022, by forming a broad partnership focused on generative, or conversational, AI. Read More

Ford Pro introduced its second-generation EV charger, the Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp, on August 29. The new EV charger is intended to modernize and streamline the entire experience, making it simpler than ever for fleets to switch to electric vehicles. After unveiling its newest charging options, Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro, said, “We’re committed to helping businesses make the transition to electric easy with a single-minded focus on curated commercial charging solutions.” Read More

Hyundai is looking to challenge Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle charging front with new technological upgrades and a proprietary network of stations. Tesla is one of the only charging providers on the market to see positive reviews from drivers. Most brands in the sector have seen customer satisfaction scores decline in 2023 as EV owners continue to experience higher levels of station outages, charging issues and long wait times. Read More

A Texas Subaru dealership has made a large donation to support the annual wreath-laying ceremony at a local veterans cemetery. The funds, totaling $16,085, will go to the Wreaths for Vets nonprofit. Every year, the organization honors deceased service members and their relatives by placing wreaths at graves within the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Speaking to the Fort Cavazos Herald, Jean Shine, the group’s founder, noted that storing the wreaths had become a challenge for the small team. Read More

Managing stress and burnout in the fast-paced retail automotive industryThe automotive­ retail industry is a dynamic and ever-e­volving sector that poses unique challenges for its professionals. From continuous customer interactions to meeting sales goals and juggling time pressures, the demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. This article explores practical strategies for effectively managing stre­ss, preventing burnout, and fostering a healthy work-life balance in the automotive­ retail industry. By implementing these strategies, professionals can prioritize their mental well-being while flourishing in their care­ers. Read More

In-house vs external BDC: How and why to make a switchFor a dealership, follow-up with customers is absolutely crucial. Some customers will choose which dealership to shop at based on interactions with salespeople over the phone, through text, or email, and might even pick based on who responds faster or more professionally. This is where either well-equipped salespeople or business development centers come in. We’ll explain when and how to switch to a business development center – and when to just have your salespeople do the work. Read More

Stay up to date on exclusive content from CBT News by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our free newsletter to receive all the latest news, insight and trends impacting the automotive industry.

CBT News is part of the JBF Business Media family.