Dealer Tech Talk

Simon Verona

0.0 (0)
TECHNOLOGY

Dealer Tech Talk explores how technology is transforming car and motorhome dealerships. Each episode breaks down tools, systems, and strategies that help dealerships become more efficient, profitable, and customer-focused. Our audience includes: Independent / Franchised car & motorhome dealersDealer group managersIndustry professionals looking to learn about dealership technology

JAN 26

The Future of Dealership AI | AI Agents, Sales & Lead Nurturing with Gerard Thatcher | Episode 7.5

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 agents are already transforming sales, lead nurturing, and customer experience — and why the smartest dealerships are using AI to support their people, not replace them. Together, we discuss: • What AI agents really are (and how they differ from basic chatbots) • Where AI delivers the biggest wins for dealerships today • How AI can nurture leads, qualify customers, and improve conversion rates • The risks of “bad AI” — and what dealers must look for in secure, compliant solutions • How sales teams and AI can work together to drive better outcomes • What the next 2–5 years of dealership AI will realistically look like ■ Whether you’re a Dealer Principal, Sales Manager, or Automotive Leader, this episode will help you understand how to adopt AI with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. ■ Download the guide that accompanies this episode at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides ■ Sponsors DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System that boosts efficiency, improves customer service, and helps dealers grow profits. https://www.dmsnavigator.com/ MyAutoCompanion — the customer app that keeps buyers connected, increases retention, and grows lifetime dealer revenue. https://www.myautocompanion.com/

35 min
JAN 19

Do Dealerships Need an App? | Episode 7

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 tracking and booking to push notifications, invoice payments, and long-term customer engagement. In this episode, we cover: Why apps outperform websites and email for customer engagement How apps improve brand loyalty and repeat business Real dealer examples using apps to reduce calls, queues, and admin How service tracking and in-app payments transform the customer experience Why even 20–30% app adoption can make a major operational difference When dealerships should start their app journey — and how to do it properly If customers track pizza deliveries on their phone, why wouldn’t they expect the same transparency when their car is in for service? This episode also explains how dealer apps benefit your team, not just your customers — freeing staff from repetitive admin and allowing them to focus on high-value customer interactions. 📘 Download the free guide that accompanies this episode: https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides 🎙️ Dealer Tech Talk explores how technology is transforming car and motorhome dealerships. Sponsored by: DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System designed to help you be more efficient, deliver better customer service, and improve profits. MyAutoCompanion — the customer app that increases retention, keeps buyers connected, and improves lifetime customer income and profit.

11 min
JAN 5

The Truth About Dealer Software — From a Founder - an Interview with Conor Moran | Episode 6

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 between powerful features and simple day-to-day usability Lessons learned from building and scaling a dealership technology platform Where dealer software and digital retailing are heading next This is a practical, honest conversation for independent and franchised dealers, dealer principals, and anyone involved in choosing, using, or building dealer technology. 🎙 About Dealer Tech Talk Dealer Tech Talk is the podcast for car and motorhome dealers, exploring how technology can improve efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. 🌐 Download free guides at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides 🎯 Sponsored by: DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System designed to help you work more efficiently, stay compliant, and improve profits. MyAutoCompanion — increasing customer retention, keeping buyers connected, and improving lifetime customer income and profit. 👍 If you found this useful, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes.

33 min
12/22/2025

Episode 5 : 7 Mistakes Dealers Make with their DMS and how to avoid them

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 way around. 🎧 Tune in now and make sure your DMS works for you, not against 📥 Download the accompanying guide here: https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides Dealer Tech Talk is proudly sponsored by: DMS Navigator — improving efficiency, service, and profitability. MyAutoCompanion — boosting retention, connection, and lifetime customer value.

16 min
12/15/2025

Episode 4 : AI Agents in Dealerships: The Future of Automotive Efficiency

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 episode, Simon breaks down everything dealers need to know to get ahead. Practical Takeaways for Dealers: • Start with one workflow (service bookings or lead triage are ideal). • Demand evidence from vendors: ROI, pilot results, audit logs. • Implement AI where it enhances your people — not replaces them. Listen, Learn & Level Up; Dealer Tech Talk is proudly sponsored by: DMS Navigator — improving efficiency, service, and profitability. MyAutoCompanion — boosting retention, connection, and lifetime customer value. Download the supporting guides: https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

13 min
12/08/2025

Bonus Episode 3.5: How to make AI work for you! An interview with Perry Farrell

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 Management System that boosts efficiency, customer service, and profits. MyAutoCompanion – App that increases retention, keeps buyers connected, and improves lifetime customer income. Downloadable guides and resources: www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Dealer Tech Talk on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform for more insights on technology transforming dealerships.

28 min
12/01/2025

From Stress to Success: Coaching for Automotive Leaders with Tim Hargraves | Episode 3

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 rediscover their passion for the motor trade. Together, we discuss: - The biggest causes of stress for dealership leaders today - Why imposter syndrome and burnout are common in the motor industry - Simple mindset shifts to reduce overwhelm - How coaching can transform leadership and work-life balance - The skills future dealership leaders will need in an AI-driven world ■ Whether you’re a Dealer Principal, Manager, or Rising Leader, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you thrive. ■ Download Tim's Guide that goes with this podcast at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides ■ Sponsors - DMS Navigator — the DMS that boosts efficiency, delivers enhanced customer service and helps dealers grow profits. - MyAutoCompanion — The customer app that keeps buyers connected, improves retention, and increases lifetime dealer revenue.

41 min
11/21/2025 · BONUS

Special Episode : How to wean your Dealership off the Autotrader Drug

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 is the time to reduce reliance on Auto Trader. What We Discuss What Deal Builder actually is How it changes the customer journey Why dealers are frustrated The loss of deep links and its impact The effect on finance, warranty and profitability Are dealer complaints justified? Practical alternatives How to diversify your lead sources safely Steps to reduce dependency on Auto Trader ‍ Who’s On the Panel Jim Reid — Jim Reid Vehicle Sales Josh Apps — V12 Automobil Fraser Brown — Motorvise Gary Monaghan — Digital Remarketing Solutions Ian Godbold — IGC Digital Neil Smith — Motorvait Hosted by: Simon Verona Download the guide that accompanies the episode from https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

1h 2m
11/17/2025

How much should a Dealer Management System cost in 2025? | Episode 2

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 DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System to help you be more efficient, deliver better customer service and improve profits — and MyAutoCompanion —increasing customer retention, keeping

10 min
10/16/2025

Dealer Tech Talk chats Cyber Security | Episode 1

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 Plan, and two quick wins you can implement today. Also, download our Dealer Tech Talk Guide to Cyber Security from https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

9 min

10 Episodes

Dealer Tech Talk explores how technology is transforming car and motorhome dealerships. Each episode breaks down tools, systems, and strategies that help dealerships become more efficient, profitable, and customer-focused. Our audience includes: Independent / Franchised car & motorhome dealersDealer group managersIndustry professionals looking to learn about dealership technology

Creator

Simon Verona
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

10
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Dealer Tech Talk
Show Website

Dealer Tech Talk