Cox Automotive, an automotive services and technology provider, introduced new artificial intelligence capabilities to its customer relationship management solution, VinSolutions. Using Predictive Insights with generative AI capabilities, the proprietary technology incorporates first-party behavioral data from Cox-owned marketplaces Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Dealer.com. As a result, dealers can identify shoppers who Cox says are up to eight times more likely to buy and create targeted, personalized content for meaningful interactions with customers for specific inventory. Cox Automotive has recently published an educational e-book "Artificial Intelligence for Auto Retailers."  

“Our chief economist, Jonathan Smoke, is optimistic about the 2025 Forecast and dealer sentiment is positive following the election, but dealers continue to be concerned with rising costs,” said Lori Wittman, president of Retail Solutions at Cox Automotive. 

“Opening up demand both inside and outside normal market areas that is inclined to buy inventory on the lot will be the key to unlocking higher volume and close rate. But these ready and willing car buyers will expect a personalized, faster and easier purchase experience that allows them to combine online and in-store steps freely. That’s exactly what VinSolutions Artificial Intelligence does – it further enables omnichannel car buying within Cox Automotive’s Retail360 ecosystem.”     

The Right Car at the Right Time at the Right Price 

Cox’s first-party consumer data fuels VinSolutions Predictive Insights with AI so sales teams can better align customer engagements to specific interests and needs. This can help put the right car at the right time and at the right price in front of the right customer with the right message. With generative AI capabilities integrated seamlessly into the CRM, dealers can engage, build trust and improve response rates to and from customers. 

Generative AI Works Within VinSolutions 

Generative AI addresses the challenge of creating time-consuming, impersonal communications by enabling sales teams to quickly generate engaging, personalized content. Dealers can modify, edit and approve all messages before they are sent, giving them control over customer communications. By leveraging Cox Automotive data, the GenAI capabilities inside VinSolutions Predictive Insights craft tailored customer emails and text messages that include vehicle details, trade-in options, level of market demand for the vehicle, and more. It has a user-friendly interface making it easy for sales teams to incorporate into their daily workflows.   

“Gen AI has been a game changer for us,” said Harrison Whitten, general manager of Whitten Brothers Auto Group. “It allows our team to quickly craft well written responses with consistency.”   

Predictive Insights helps dealerships uncover leads, speed up the purchase process, and enhance the customer experience by using Cox Automotive data to engage customers early in their car-buying journeys. 

Through proprietary consumer data, Predictive Insights offers real-time insights, helping salespeople identify ready-to-buy customers through the buying signals tracked in their shopping activity. It also supports a dealership’s vehicle acquisition strategies by providing trade-in information to active shoppers who might be critical to sealing a deal. Dealers can optimize campaigns at scale while being able to personalize communication to each shopper. 

“The Gen AI tool in VinSolutions not only elevates the confidence of our Business Development Center but also empowers our sales floor to communicate more effectively with customers,” said Seth Poplawski, CRM Administrator at Auto Lenders. “The AI’s ability to generate the best responses is streamlining our correspondence, leading to stronger customer relationships and better results.”