The New Auto Arms Race: How Dealers Are Turning Vehicle Data into Loyalty and Cash Flow | Shane Wilson, President at Connected Dealer Services
About this episode
Shane Wilson, President of Connected Dealer Services, discusses the evolution of vehicle data usage by dealerships to enhance customer loyalty and service revenue. He explains how their Car X platform allows dealers to access real-time vehicle data through a discreetly installed device, improving sales efficiency and customer engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of data in fostering long-term relationships between dealers and customers, as well as the potential for AI integration. Wilson shares insights on service appointment metrics and the growing trend of connected vehicles, emphasizing the need for dealers to adapt to maintain competitive advantage.
connected car
"So what does connected car mean? In your world. Yeah, it can it can go a lot of ways, right? So"
A connected car is a vehicle that can connect to the internet and other devices. This allows it to share information and provide features like tracking its location or checking if it has enough fuel.
A connected car refers to a vehicle equipped with internet access and a variety of sensors, allowing it to communicate with other devices and systems. This connectivity enables features like real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, and enhanced user experiences.
lot management
"we really start from lot management And we go all the way to loyalty. So I'll kind of walk you walk you through that"
Lot management is how car dealerships keep track of all the cars they have for sale. It helps them know where each car is and if it's ready to be sold.
Lot management refers to the processes and tools used by dealerships to manage their inventory of vehicles on the lot. This includes tracking vehicle locations, monitoring their conditions, and optimizing sales strategies.
stolen vehicle recovery
"making sure they know where the vehicles are for you know, stolen vehicle recovery and protection"
Stolen vehicle recovery is how people find cars that have been stolen. It usually involves using technology like GPS to track the car's location.
Stolen vehicle recovery refers to the methods and technologies used to locate and recover vehicles that have been stolen. This often involves GPS tracking systems and other security measures to help law enforcement find the vehicle.
GPS system
"So this is a GPS system. It'll track the vehicle but it does more it connects into the system and gathers more information programs like low jack and maybe recover"
A GPS system helps find out where a vehicle is located using signals from satellites. It's commonly used in cars to help with navigation and tracking if the car is stolen.
A GPS system (Global Positioning System) uses satellites to determine the precise location of a vehicle. It allows for tracking and navigation, making it useful for recovery systems like LoJack.
OBD port
"...we are able to pull the real-time insights from the vehicle through the OBD port. So we're wired behind the vehicle and we're not that OBD plug-in."
The OBD port is a special plug in cars that lets you connect devices to check how the car is running. It helps mechanics and systems gather important information about the vehicle's health.
The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port is a standardized interface in vehicles that allows external devices to communicate with the car's computer systems. It provides access to data such as engine performance and diagnostics.
VIN
"You don't know what the Vin is so you don't know what technically you don't know what car you're in. So thinking about tracking vehicles, you may not necessarily know relying on human air all of that"
A VIN is like a car's fingerprint; it's a special number that helps identify each vehicle. It tells you important details about the car, like who made it and when.
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. It contains information about the car's make, model, year, and place of manufacture.
vehicle health data
"we can get some of the check engine light data some of the vehicle health data and it's just completely pivoted our company"
Vehicle health data is information about how well your car is working. It can tell you if there are any problems or if everything is running smoothly.
Vehicle health data refers to the information collected from a vehicle's onboard diagnostics system that indicates the overall condition and performance of the vehicle. This data can include engine performance, fluid levels, and other critical metrics.
check engine light
"Look, we can get some of the check engine light data some of the vehicle health data and it's just completely pivoted our company"
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. If it comes on, it means something might be wrong with the engine, and you should get it checked out.
The check engine light is a warning indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that signals a potential issue with the engine or emissions system. It can indicate a range of problems, from minor issues to serious engine faults.
maintenance schedule
"So we know exactly the maintenance schedule for each vehicle. But we've learned that dealers also rather at times have their own schedule..."
A maintenance schedule is a list of when your car needs to be serviced, like getting oil changes or checking the brakes. It's important to follow this list to keep your car running well.
A maintenance schedule outlines the recommended service intervals for a vehicle, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine checks. Following this schedule helps ensure the vehicle remains in good working condition and can prevent costly repairs down the line.
recalls
"Recalls are another one, you know, if you see the success like busy cars doing and some of the others recall information is a huge..."
A recall is when a car company finds a problem with one of their cars and asks owners to bring it in for a free fix. This is important to keep everyone safe while driving.
Recalls occur when a manufacturer identifies a safety issue or defect in a vehicle that requires repair or replacement. Manufacturers are obligated to notify owners and fix the problem at no cost to the consumer, which is crucial for vehicle safety.
NHTSA
"...we're pulling it from NITSA actually so it's a national highway..."
NHTSA stands for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is a U.S. government agency that makes sure cars are safe to drive. They handle recalls and safety information for vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of motor vehicles and their equipment. It oversees vehicle recalls, conducts safety tests, and provides information to consumers about vehicle safety.
battery
"When you think of a as a consumer not necessarily a dealer group, but as a consumer when your battery goes..."
A car battery is what starts the engine and powers the lights and radio. If it stops working, you usually need to replace it.
A battery in a car provides the electrical power needed to start the engine and run electrical systems. When it fails, it often requires replacement.
tires
"...tires are also same similar to that where you know, you know you don't always think about going to the dealer for that..."
Tires are the round rubber parts on your car that touch the road. They need to be checked and sometimes changed to keep your car safe to drive.
Tires are the rubber components that make contact with the road, providing traction and support for the vehicle. They need regular maintenance, including rotation and replacement, based on wear and driving conditions.
odometer
"...based off the odometer and driving behavior when tires should be rotated and when tires should be replaced..."
An odometer is a part of your car that tells you how far you've driven. It helps you know when it's time to get your car serviced.
An odometer is a device in a vehicle that measures the distance traveled. It is used to determine when maintenance tasks, like oil changes or tire rotations, are due based on mileage.
Lincoln penny test
"...but we have kind of the old-school Lincoln penny tests on the app..."
The Lincoln penny test is a simple way to check if your tires are safe. You put a penny in the tire tread, and if you can see all of Lincoln's head, it means you need new tires.
The Lincoln penny test is a method used to check the tread depth of tires. By inserting a penny into the tread, you can see if the tread is deep enough to provide adequate traction.
current draw
"...we have the one of it, you know, the lowest current draw in the industry with our with our hardware again..."
Current draw is how much electricity a device uses. In cars, it's important to keep this low so the battery doesn't run out when the car is parked.
Current draw refers to the amount of electrical current that a device uses when it is powered on. In automotive contexts, it's important to minimize current draw to prevent draining the vehicle's battery when the car is not in use.
AI in automotive
"...I feel like we're in an arms race of ai right now in automotive..."
AI in automotive means using smart computer technology in cars to make them safer and more efficient. It helps with things like self-driving features and keeping track of car maintenance.
AI in automotive refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to improve vehicle performance, enhance safety features, and provide better customer experiences. This includes applications like autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, and personalized services.
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