Dealer Tech Talk

Every dealership collects customer data. But very few dealerships are actually using it to grow sales, improve customer retention, or prepare for AI. In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona is joined by John from Auto Data Solutions to discuss why data has become one of the most valuable—and overlooked—assets inside modern dealerships. They explore: ✔ Why inaccurate customer data costs f...

Every dealer wants to know which DMS is the best. But the real question isn't which system is best — it's which system is best for your dealership . In the opening episode of Season 2, Simon Verona explores why DMS selection isn't about feature lists, slick demos, or following what other dealers use. It's about understanding your business, your processes, your growth plans, and...

Most dealership chatbots failed for one simple reason: They were built to capture leads — not help customers. In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona revisits AI chatbot technology and explores how modern AI agents are evolving far beyond the old scripted website chat widgets dealers became frustrated with. Today’s AI systems are becoming more conversational, more connected, and far more...

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk , Simon Verona is joined by Neil Smith from Motorvait to explore one of the biggest challenges facing modern dealerships: understanding the numbers that actually drive performance. From lead generation and conversion to technology overload and lost opportunities across the sales funnel, this conversation looks at where dealers are still falling short and what pr...

Dealers invest heavily to bring customers into their ecosystem. But too often, that journey gets broken. In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona is joined by Gary Monaghan, Founder & CEO of Digital Remarketing Solutions and part of the team behind Freeway Motors. Together, they explore how dealers are losing control of the customer journey — especially when it comes to part exchange,...

Every dealership takes payments. But very few dealerships ever stop to look at how those payments actually flow through the business — and the friction that process creates. In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona breaks down the four main types of dealership payments and the operational challenges behind each one. From standalone card machines to online payments, bank transfers, and pay...

Many dealerships run both a CRM and a Dealer Management System (DMS). But surprisingly, many dealers are still unclear about what each system actually does. In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona explains the real difference between CRM and DMS systems, how they overlap, and why poor integration between the two can create duplicate work, data problems and operational friction. If you&ap...

Voice AI used to feel experimental. Clunky. Robotic. Not quite ready for real customers. That’s changed. In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona explores how voice AI has crossed a threshold — moving from novelty technology to something that can deliver measurable operational benefits in dealerships today. We cut through the hype and focus on reality: What voice AI actually is  Where it...

Is investing in a new DMS really worth it — or is it just another cost dealerships are forced to accept? In this solo episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona tackles one of the most common (and quietly asked) questions in the motor trade: what is the real ROI of a dealer management system? Rather than focusing on software features or price, Simon breaks down where DMS value actually comes from —...

AI is everywhere in automotive — but what does it mean for dealerships today, and where is it really heading? In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, host Simon Verona sits down with Gerard Thatcher, automotive veteran and founder of MotorTech.ai, to cut through the hype and explore the future of dealership AI from a dealer’s perspective. With over 30 years in the motor trade, Gerard explains how AI...

Do  dealerships really need their own app — or is a website enough? In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, host Simon Verona explores how dealer apps are becoming one of the most powerful tools for customer retention, brand loyalty, and operational efficiency across car and motorhome dealerships. Customers expect faster, more personal digital experiences. Apps deliver exactly that — from service tra...

What does it really take to build dealer software that works in the real world? In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, host Simon Verona sits down with Conor Moran, founder of Eskimo Software, to talk openly about the realities of building software for car dealerships. They explore: Why many dealer systems struggle with adoption What dealers actually need from modern dealer software The balance betw...

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon walks  through the 7 most common problems dealerships face with their DMS systems, and how to avoid them. From hidden costs and compliance gaps to poor onboarding and clunky user experiences, these are the lessons every dealer should know before choosing or upgrading their system. 💡 Key takeaway: The best DMS fits your people and processes, not the other...

In Episode 4 of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona dives deep into one of the most transformative topics in the motor trade today: AI Agents — what they are, how they work, and why dealerships need to start implementing them now. If you aren’t looking at AI in your dealership today, you’ll be outperformed by someone who is. But it’s not about using AI… it’s about using it intelligently. In this episod...

What you’ll discover in this episode: How AI agents like Johnny5 handle repetitive tasks and improve first-time responses. The importance of knowledge management for effective AI. AI in help desk operations and internal support. Upcoming AI innovations, including voice assistants for instant customer interaction. Advice for newcomers to technology and AI roles. Sponsors: DMS Navigator – Dealer Man...

Running a dealership can be rewarding — but it can also be stressful, overwhelming, and at times, isolating.  In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona is joined by Tim Hargraves, executive coach and founder of The Motor Coach. After more than 20 years leading dealerships at Marriott Motor Group, Tim now helps automotive managers and leaders beat overwhelm, rebuild confidence, and rediscov...

Auto Trader’s new Deal Builder feature has triggered one of the strongest reactions the motor trade has seen in years. Many dealers are questioning its impact on leads, data, finance, and overall control of the sales process. In this special roundtable episode, Simon Verona brings together dealers and industry experts to explore what Deal Builder means for the independent sector — and whether now...

In this episode, Simon Verona breaks down typical price ranges, what drives costs up or down, and the hidden fees to watch out for.  Plus, discover why forward-thinking dealers view their DMS not as a cost, but as an investment in efficiency, compliance, and profit. Download our Guide to How Much a Dealer Management System should cost in 2025 at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides  ■ Sponsored by...

Episode 1 .... the beginning! Cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporates — dealerships are at risk too. In this inaugural episode of Dealer Tech Talk , Simon Verona explores the biggest threats (from phishing to ransomware), lessons from recent attacks at JLR and M&S, and what every dealer can do to prepare.  Learn how to reduce risks, build a Cyber Security Guide, create a Disaster Recovery...