Lokam.ai, a new, voice-first, AI-powered sales and service platform built for dealerships and backed by its first customer, World Auto Group, is now online. +

Nordis Technologies COO Nicole Miller has added the role of president to her duties as founder and CEO Ronnie Selinger steps back from leading day-to-day operations to focus on long-term strategy. +

Nordis Technologies has released a new, free guide for owners of auto dealerships and other businesses in need of an AI implementation action plan. +

For dealers seeking improved efficiency, CSI, data security and audit readiness, the DDJ has emerged as the new heartbeat of the deal. 700Credit’s Ken Hill makes the case for going digital in 2026. +

A CDK survey finds more dealers are familiar with and investing in AI-powered tools, particularly those designed to address communication, scheduling and workload issues. +

Ford and Lincoln dealers using the factory’s FordDirect customer engagement platform now have a new employee in “Jerry,” Podium’s AI-powered, inbound lead-handling virtual sales assistant. +

ID Privacy AI announced the addition of a fully autonomous, voice-first agentic AI workforce to its BDC Pro platform, offering dealers enhanced customer communications at numerous touchpoints. +

Fullpath reports the majority of car buyers and lessees are comfortable with AI and a partial or fully online transaction, raising expectations for a seamless dealership experience. +

In a new article for Digital Dealer, David Boice says a hybrid online/instore sales model is now not only the norm but the expected experience for today’s consumers. +

A PwC report finds the appetite for an omnichannel online/in-person buying experience remains “insatiable” among a growing contingent of tech-savvy customers. +