About this episode
Today I’m joined by Chase Abbott, VP of Sales at Cox Automotive. We break down how AI, data, and connected technology are reshaping dealership operations, customer experience, and competitive strategy. Chase explains where dealers are falling behind , why ecosystem-level integration matters , and how to overcome resistance to new tools . We also dig into the numbers—like Cox’s 82M monthly visitors and the 40% idle-time problem—that reveal where the biggest wins still are. Reach out to Chase directly here: chase.abbott@coxautoinc.com 913 624 4963 This episode is brought to you by: 1. AFSA - Get Revv’d Up for the Ultimate Vehicle Finance Event of 2026. February 3rd to 5th, 2026 | Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. The vehicle finance industry is evolving at breakneck speed. Are you ready to accelerate ahead of the competition? Join hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers at the 2026 American Financial Services Association Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo—the must-attend event where cutting-edge insights, powerful connections, and game-changing strategies converge under one roof. World-Class Keynote speakers who inspire action, and sessions that put vehicle finance insights into overdrive. Secure your spot today at http://vf-conference.afsaonline.org The 2026 AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo – Where the Leaders in Vehicle Finance Accelerate to Success 2. PayJunction - Outdated payment systems, rising fees, and complex reporting shouldn’t stand in the way of your dealership’s success. That’s why dealers are switching to PayJunction, the industry leading tech to help auto retailers optimize rate structures and even enable surcharging. Ready to see how much you could be saving? For a limited time, PayJunction is giving dealers one free month (with up to $10,000 in non-credit processing fees back) when you activate and use SmartSurcharge. Claim your free month @ https://carguymedia.com/4p2LzcS 3. Cox Automotive - Discover what’s driving improved customer experiences—and dealership results. Download the Drivers of Shopper Satisfaction ebook from Cox Automotive today @ https://carguymedia.com/464vOfw Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 03:31 Biggest dealer challenge: affordability or staffing? 21:06 How to overcome AI adoption resistance? 23:13 Best strategy for implementing AI? 32:34 Future of AI in auto Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com