CBT News Interview: AI Today with Cole Kutschinski and Shyann Malone

In Atlanta, Georgia, CBT News took the time to catch up with ICOM AI post the NADA Show 2024. Shyann Malone, the show's host, conducted an insightful interview featuring Cole Kutschinski, the president & CEO of ICOM AI.

In their conversation, Cole covered the current uses of AI in dealership marketing and sales departments and the near future applications of AI in the automotive industry.

What do dealers use to manage their day-to-day?

Dealers use AI for marketing, and ICOM AI assists sales and BDC representatives in identifying the best opportunities to sell cars. For example, incoming web leads may have questions, and ICOM AI can answer those questions and continue to augment the process with continuous re-engagement.

What trends should dealers look for with AI?

It’s so new, so, dealers are just starting to adopt it and fully understand how to acquire cars, aid with service appts, and even CSI outreach.

Any challenges or limitations dealers should be aware of?

Education; dealers should always be learning and understanding the growth of the AI with every new partnership they make.

What about compliance?

Our conversations don’t ask for any personal details, but instead, keep it automotive focused. Our focus is to be fully compliant.

How will AI fit in auto going forward?

Adding more AI into various areas of the customer lifecycle, not just at contact, but also after sales with incentives, retention, and even non-transactional messaging to keep customers in touch. AI can also assist dealers with data. We’re considering how we can use conversational and generative AI to make sense of this data.

Is AI intimidating to some? How do you put people at ease?

Having come from the dealership, and not the AI industry, we understand we need to tailor this to dealers and speak in terms that make sense to them. They want to know how it solves their problems and how they can get better ROI. The AI may be complex, but the value is simple – we help you sell more cars.

Click here to watch the full interview.

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