Part 1 : Bringing Seezar to Life

What motivated the creation of Seezar, and what specific challenges were you aiming to address?

Seez has been at the forefront of AI innovation in the automotive industry since our early days, though it wasn’t recognized as AI back then. In 2016-2017, we pioneered the use of Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to create an innovative chatbot that negotiated car prices with sellers on behalf of buyers. As we expanded our business—launching a marketplace in Denmark and developing digital e-commerce solutions—we identified a growing need for enhanced customer support. Our experience in both automotive retail and AI technology, combined with the emergence of Large Language Models like GPT, presented a unique opportunity, especially as consumer behavior shifted increasingly online during the post-Covid era.

While many companies rushed to launch AI solutions, we took a different approach. We leveraged our eight years of experience with our original Seez R chatbot in the GCC marketplace to develop something specifically tailored for the automotive industry. Our focus has always been on creating a solution that serves both dealerships and their customers, ensuring the best possible experience for everyone involved.

How did you determine the essential features for Seezar to effectively serve both dealerships and customers?

Early in Seezar’s development, we recognized the importance of catering to both dealerships and their customers. Our primary relationship is with dealerships, but we understood that creating an exceptional experience for their customers was equally crucial.

From the dealership perspective, the challenge was clear: not every dealer has the resources to maintain a 24/7 customer support team. Their primary goal was lead generation – understanding what customers are looking for, guiding them effectively, and collecting information that could help convert inquiries into sales or service appointments.

To meet these needs, we developed a comprehensive tool that provides round-the-clock support. When customers visit a dealership’s website, Seezar is there to help them find vehicles, locate information, and capture their details as qualified leads. All this information flows into a backend system where dealers can track and manage their leads efficiently.

For end users, we wanted to break free from the limitations of traditional decision-tree chatbots. We’ve all experienced the frustration of clicking through predetermined options and waiting for more choices to appear. Instead, we focused on creating a natural, conversational experience where users can freely express their needs – whether they’re looking for an SUV, wanting to book a test drive, or searching for a specific car in black.

Our goal was to make the interaction as human-like as possible, moving away from the rigid, robotic feel of conventional support systems. This approach allows for both simple queries and complex requests to be handled seamlessly, providing users with the freedom and flexibility they deserve.

We refer to Seezar as an AI Virtual Assistant rather than just a typical chatbot. Can you explain to our listeners why we make that distinction?

A “chatbot” is a word that’s widely used and often misused. Unlike traditional chatbots that follow rigid decision trees with predetermined paths and limited options, Seezar functions as a true AI Virtual Assistant that offers a natural, conversational experience. It can understand and respond to free-form questions, analyze information from multiple sources, and provide comprehensive answers.

What sets Seezar apart is its user-centric approach. Instead of immediately pushing for lead generation like many solutions do, we prioritize user comfort and freedom. Users can explore and get information without being forced to provide contact details first. The interface is designed for natural conversation rather than click-through options, and dealers can customize it to their specific needs.

Seezar’s capabilities go beyond simple responses – it aggregates information from various sources to provide holistic answers. This means users don’t have to jump between multiple websites for different pieces of information, whether it’s specifications, reviews, or comparisons. Everything is available in one seamless conversation.

As our CPO Andrew says, it’s like walking into a showroom – no salesperson immediately asks for your name and phone number. Instead, they show you the car, answer your questions, provide an overview, and only ask for contact information if you’re interested. Many dealers invest in making their physical showrooms comfortable with nice couches and coffee machines, but their online presence doesn’t match this experience. Instead, users often encounter an unfriendly bot with an AI-generated avatar and a fake name, immediately demanding personal information.

This creates an uncomfortable solution that most people won’t engage with. They’ll either browse the website without finding what they want or simply leave – creating a significant drop-off point in the customer journey.

Part 2 : Building the Ideal AI Assistant

How do you prioritize features during the product development process, especially when working on something as complex as an AI assistant?

Feature prioritization is a complex process that involves both internal and external factors. Our product team works closely with business stakeholders and management to understand what our clients are looking for, while also conducting market research to identify best practices and use cases.

We maintain a quarterly roadmap that outlines our development plans, prioritizing features based on client expectations and value generation. Features that can deliver quick, significant value – such as improving user retention, lead generation, or conversion rates – typically get top priority.

This process is flexible, though. Like any company, we sometimes encounter situations where we need to adjust our priorities based on new partner requirements or emerging opportunities. We regularly reassess our roadmap to ensure we’re building features that deliver the most value to our clients and their customers.

How important is integration with other systems for AI to deliver real business value?

Integration is a key factor for success in AI implementation because data needs to come from somewhere. There are many moving parts when it comes to a product like this – cars, website data, client data, lead data, CRM, and DMS systems. In fact, about 95% of the time, each of these components is a completely separate solution.

To execute what seems like a simple action – such as generating a lead and having the dealer receive it – requires integration with multiple systems. This process involves knowing which cars are available, triggering emails, and managing customer communications. While it might require 3 to 4 different integrations working together, to the customer it appears seamlessly simple.

We maintain numerous integrations as part of our roadmap, including crucial elements like F&I (financing and insurance) and security systems. These integrations are essential for the buying process – customers want to know car costs, financing options, and monthly payments, all of which require different system integrations.

When prioritizing integrations, we focus on value. We typically start with systems that have the largest market share – for instance, a system used by 70% of the market would take priority. However, we’re also flexible in developing custom integrations for clients with unique systems. Sometimes we encounter clients with unique systems who want to maintain their existing setup. In these cases, we’re happy to develop custom integrations to accommodate their needs.

How does Seezar adapt to the evolving needs of dealerships and customers over time?

Seezar takes a proactive approach to staying ahead of market needs. Rather than just responding to requests, we actively identify opportunities for improvement based on our broad exposure to different dealerships. This unique position allows us to observe best practices across multiple clients and suggest valuable improvements before they’re even requested.

We focus heavily on bringing value through technological advancement. For instance, we’ve identified and helped resolve fundamental digital infrastructure gaps, such as missing sitemaps that are crucial for SEO and marketing effectiveness. As technology evolves, we ensure our clients stay current with these essential tools.

When evaluating new features or integration requests, our decision-making process is value-driven. We assess potential impact through multiple lenses: How many dealers will benefit? Will it open new markets? Will it improve lead generation, customer retention, or inventory showcase efficiency? For example, when a dealer requests integration with a new system, we evaluate the system’s market penetration and partnership potential.

Ultimately, our adaptation strategy combines proactive improvement suggestions, careful evaluation of client requests, and strategic partnership development – all focused on delivering maximum value to our dealers and their customers.

What challenges have you faced in scaling Seezar across different regions, markets, or use cases?

Scaling Seezar across markets offers both opportunities and challenges. Our Large Language Models (LLMs) handle multiple languages effortlessly, allowing quick linguistic adaptation from English to any other language. This flexibility has been crucial for our international expansion.

The main challenges lie in backend operations. Each market requires different system integrations (CRM, dealer management systems), data formats (VIN vs. plate numbers), and compliance standards like GDPR. For example, German dealerships needed special adaptations due to their decentralized specialist structure, while Swiss operations required handling both standard German and Swiss German dialects. These market-specific requirements often necessitate significant customization of our core product.

Security and abuse prevention are paramount in our operations. With SOC 2 certification and robust security measures, we’ve prevented common exploits like prompt injection or misuse as a free GPT service. Unlike basic chatbots that can be manipulated (like the Chevrolet $1 car incident), Seezar maintains strict limitations and stays focused on automotive queries. Our security framework includes advanced prompting techniques and continuous monitoring to ensure system integrity. This comprehensive approach has helped us maintain a secure and reliable service across all markets, building trust with both dealers and end users.

How is Seezar able to accurately understand and provide the right information to every question?

Seezar uses a sophisticated multi-agent system that routes questions to specialized agents for sales, service, parts and accessories, or general information. The system handles both simple and complex queries – from comparing vehicles like BMW 3 Series to C-Class, to answering specific questions about features like cupholders or unique calculations.

For sales inquiries, Seezar excels at understanding complex requirements. Users can provide detailed scenarios, like being an expecting parent needing a safe car with space for outdoor activities, and the system converts these requirements into specific filters.

The technical foundation of Seezar’s knowledge comes from a custom-built scraping solution and direct integration with dealer management systems (DMS) for real-time inventory access.

Additionally, Seezar maintains brand integrity by adapting its communication style for each dealership. When representing a Mercedes dealership, it remains focused on Mercedes products while being factually accurate about features and comparisons.

The system presents results through an intuitive chat interface, displaying vehicle images, specifications, and other details without requiring users to leave the conversation. Users can seamlessly move from browsing to booking test drives.

In essence, Seezar’s accuracy stems from its combination of specialized agents, comprehensive data integration, and brand-appropriate responses while providing detailed information for every query.

Part 3 : Making AI Accessible for Dealerships

How do you believe AI is transforming customer interactions, particularly in the automotive sector?

AI is revolutionizing the automotive industry in three key ways: empowerment, speed, and integration. Let’s explore how these elements are transforming the car-buying experience.

First, AI empowers everyone involved in the automotive sector. While experienced salespeople bring valuable expertise, they can’t instantly access every detail about every vehicle. AI fills this gap by providing immediate, accurate information about specifications, comparisons, and options—empowering both dealers and customers to make informed decisions.

Speed is another game-changer. Traditional car recommendations might take a salesperson 20 minutes to compile. Our AI can match customers with five suitable vehicles in just 7 seconds. This dramatic improvement in response time transforms the customer experience.

Finally, integration ties everything together. By connecting AI with e-commerce capabilities, we’ve created a seamless experience where customers can move from browsing to buying in one conversation. They can evaluate trade-ins, submit bank applications, and complete other transactions—all through a single interface.

Just as the internet didn’t replace professionals but made everyone smarter, AI isn’t replacing human interaction. Instead, it’s enhancing the car-buying process by making it more efficient, informed, and user-friendly.

What misconceptions do businesses often have about implementing AI-powered solutions?

There are two major misconceptions businesses have about implementing AI solutions. The first is about AI’s inherent intelligence. While large language models like GPT have access to vast amounts of general knowledge, they aren’t inherently “smart” without proper setup, prompting, and limitations. Many businesses mistakenly believe that simply integrating an AI API and adding “AI” to their logo makes them an AI company. This oversimplified approach can be potentially disastrous for business operations.

The second misconception is about AI’s knowledge capabilities. Businesses often assume that once they integrate an AI solution, it will automatically know everything about their business. However, AI systems are limited to the data they have access to. For example, if business hours aren’t provided to the system, it won’t be able to answer questions about operating hours accurately.

In reality, successful AI implementation requires proper onboarding, maintenance, and continuous optimization. While initial setup can be quick, it’s not a true “plug-and-play” solution that can perform optimally without proper data input and ongoing refinement. The key to effective AI implementation lies in understanding these limitations and properly configuring the system with relevant data and appropriate constraints.

What are some common challenges dealerships face when trying to adopt AI solutions, and how do we as Seez simplify the process?

At Seez, we’ve made AI implementation remarkably simple for dealerships, regardless of their technological readiness. Understanding that many dealerships still rely on traditional methods like Excel sheets and paper files, we’ve streamlined the onboarding process to be incredibly straightforward. All a dealership needs to provide is their location, operating hours, and website URL – we handle everything else. Our automated setup process includes website scraping, inventory collection, and bot training, culminating in a simple script that dealerships can add to their website to go live. What sets our solution apart is its ability to process and utilize various data formats. We can train Seezar using multiple sources, from car brochures to location data, transforming them into structured information that enhances the bot’s capabilities.

For example, Seezar’s integration with Google Maps allows it to provide real-time distance calculations and directions to dealership locations. When a customer asks about distance, Seezar can instantly calculate it, offer directions, and create a seamless experience. For dealerships with limited digital presence, our team works to build and structure their data by analyzing their online footprint, ensuring Seezar has comprehensive knowledge about their business. This approach has proven particularly valuable for dealerships looking to transition into the AI world. By handling the technical complexities on our end, we’ve made advanced AI technology accessible to businesses at any stage of digital transformation.

Part 4 : Navigating Seezar’s Journey

If you had to build Seezar from scratch again, what would you have done differently?

Building Seezar has been a journey of continuous learning over the past ten months. We quickly realized that creating a powerful AI assistant isn’t just about technology—it’s about understanding real-world challenges in the automotive industry and adapting along the way.

Our step-by-step approach worked well. We started small, learning from every client interaction, and gradually expanded. This helped us understand dealership operations, inventory management, and customer needs in depth. As AI technology evolved from GPT-3.5 to GPT-4, we continuously improved Seezar by integrating new capabilities.

Looking back, we wouldn’t change our approach. Trying to build the perfect AI assistant from day one would have been nearly impossible. Instead, our method of testing, learning, and improving over time was key to making Seezar as advanced and effective as it is today.

How do you envision Seezar evolving to provide even greater value and a more seamless user experience?

Our vision for Seezar is ambitious – we’re building a truly omnichannel AI assistant that accompanies customers throughout their entire automotive journey. From the moment a customer shows interest in a vehicle, whether in the showroom or online, Seezar creates a seamless experience by recognizing them across all touchpoints and maintaining context of their preferences and interactions.

Here’s a small glimpse of Seezar in the future: When you first interact with a dealership, Seezar begins building your profile. If you browse vehicles online after visiting the showroom, Seezar remembers your interests and proactively serves relevant information. It manages the entire customer journey – from scheduling test drives to following up on leads, and ultimately supporting the buying process. Once you become a customer, Seezar transitions into a personal automotive assistant, sending timely service reminders and maintaining ongoing communication.

What makes this particularly powerful for dealerships is Seezar’s ability to manage relationships at scale. For a dealership with thousands of clients, manually tracking service schedules, lease endings, and upgrade opportunities is nearly impossible. Seezar processes this wealth of customer data intelligently, helping dealerships make better decisions while providing personalized attention to each customer. The key is finding the right balance – being helpful without being intrusive, and using AI to transform raw data into meaningful insights that benefit both the dealership and their customers.

What are the most valuable lessons learned from building Seezar that can be applied to future AI initiatives at Seez?

Coming from a design background, my journey into AI development has been both fascinating and enlightening. When I first encountered GPT technology a year ago, it was still a relatively unknown concept. Today, it has revolutionized how we approach problem-solving and innovation in technology.

What makes this journey particularly interesting is how I leveraged AI to learn about AI itself. This self-guided learning approach led to what I playfully call an “AI Inception” – using artificial intelligence to understand and build artificial intelligence solutions. This experience taught me that curiosity is perhaps the most valuable asset in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is about responsible AI development. While we have access to incredibly powerful tools that “know everything,” the real challenge lies in how we use them. Success in AI development isn’t just about technical capabilities – it’s about building solutions that serve a meaningful purpose and genuinely improve people’s lives. As we stand at the frontier of AI innovation, our focus should remain on creating technology that benefits humanity while being mindful of its ethical implications.

Nader’s final ‘brake’ down:

As I reflect on our journey with Seezar, it’s remarkable to see how we’ve transformed the automotive retail landscape. What started as an ambitious vision to create a human-like AI assistant has evolved into a sophisticated solution that’s reshaping how dealerships interact with their customers.

Seezar has transformed automotive retail through its innovative AI technology, providing instant access to comprehensive vehicle information and reducing recommendation times from 20 minutes to just 7 seconds. The system’s sophisticated ability to handle complex queries, maintain brand integrity, and integrate seamlessly with dealer management systems sets it apart in the industry.

As Seezar evolves into an omnichannel AI assistant, it continues to demonstrate that the future of automotive retail lies in enhancing, rather than replacing, human interaction. By combining artificial intelligence with human expertise, it creates efficient, personalized experiences that benefit both dealerships and customers.

Watch the full interview:

The post What it Takes to Build an AI Virtual Assistant: A Product Perspective appeared first on Seez.

The discussions were thoughtful, the interactions inspiring, and the focus was clear: how AI is driving meaningful value across industries. The event allowed us to showcase Seezar’s capabilities and connect with a forward-thinking audience passionate about innovation.

Key Takeaways: Transforming Businesses with AI

Our Chief Product Officer, Andrew Kabrit, delivered a standout keynote on leveraging data and AI to enhance customer engagement, positioning Seezar as a game-changer in the industry.

Joined by our Director of Marketing, Jad Naamani, they shared insights that sparked meaningful discussions and left a lasting impression on attendees.

Andrew emphasized, “Automotive dealers have access to many data sources but struggle to connect them. Even when they try, it’s tedious and the value is limited. By using AI to bridge these systems, we extract far more valuable information and create a seamless journey for customers.”

The session highlighted actionable strategies that businesses can adopt to leverage AI effectively. Key takeaways included:

• Personalization Beyond Buzzwords: Creating trust and satisfaction by understanding and anticipating customer needs.
• Actionable Data as a Differentiator: Using insights to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
• Human-centric AI: Striking a balance between advanced technology and genuine, meaningful connections with customers.

These discussions made it clear that AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about enhancing the human experience and driving smarter, more connected interactions.

Andrew noted, “No one wants to sift through FAQs—they want instant answers. With Seezar, questions that would typically require weeks of specialist training for a sales rep to answer are instantly resolved using our LLM models.” Jad added, “Seezar combines multiple data sources into one platform, so instead of checking six or seven websites when searching for a car, a customer can get all their answers on one centralized system.”

The Marketing Stunt That Stole the Spotlight

Amidst the conversations on the latest AI solutions, one unexpected element turned heads—a T-shirt featuring Andrew’s face, worn by one of our team members. On the front, it featured a bold image of Andrew Kabrit’s face, instantly recognizable and hard to ignore. On the back, it carried essential details about his keynote: the when and where.

It turned out to be more than just a playful addition; it became a centerpiece of curiosity and conversation, drawing attention to Andrew’s keynote and sparking discussions about Seezar’s innovative approach.

This lighthearted touch demonstrated that even in the world of AI, creativity, and personality have a place. The T-shirt not only generated buzz but also reinforced Seezar’s image as a forward-thinking and approachable brand.

A Milestone for Seez

Being recognized and invited to share our expertise as AI pioneers at the Global AI Show reaffirms our commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. Events like this provide a platform to reflect on our achievements, share our vision, and connect with leaders who are shaping the future.

As we continue our journey as the most successful AI startup in the Middle East, we remain focused on creating smarter solutions, building stronger customer connections, and driving meaningful change through AI.

The post Seez’s CPO Andrew Kabrit Leads AI Conversations at the Global AI Show appeared first on Seez.

Understanding the Journey: From Browsing to Buying

The modern car-buying journey begins online, with majority of buyers conducting research before visiting a dealership (Impel). This shift highlights the critical need for dealerships to meet customers where they are—digitally. AI tools enable dealerships to analyze online behavior, predict buyer intent, and offer real-time solutions, bridging the gap between curiosity and confident decision-making.

Notably, 60% of car buyers are open to using AI tools during their purchase journey (themanufacturer). From personalized recommendations to interactive tools, AI ensures customers feel supported and understood, fostering trust and intent.

Personalization: Building Trust and Loyalty

In a market where personalization drives revenue by up to 30% and reduces acquisition costs by 50% (McKinsey), AI is a cornerstone for tailoring customer experiences. By analyzing browsing history, preferences, and interactions, AI provides recommendations that resonate with individual needs.

For instance, AI chatbots can suggest vehicles based on a visitor’s budget and lifestyle, answer questions instantly, and even schedule test drives. These personalized touchpoints simplify decision-making and build lasting connections. Customers appreciate feeling valued, and dealerships benefit from increased engagement and conversions.

Lead Scoring: Targeting High-Intent Shoppers

Not all leads are equal, and AI helps dealerships focus on those most likely to convert. By tracking metrics like time spent on specific pages or frequency of car comparisons, AI identifies high-potential buyers.

Lead scoring empowers sales teams to prioritize their efforts, ensuring timely and relevant communication with the most engaged prospects. This strategy not only improves efficiency but also creates a more personalized and responsive experience for the customer, fostering stronger relationships and higher satisfaction rates.

Around-the-Clock Engagement with AI Chatbots

The car-buying process doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Potential buyers might browse at odd hours, and if their queries go unanswered, dealerships risk losing interest. AI chatbots solve this by providing 24/7 support, addressing questions, booking test drives, and offering car comparisons in real time.

Immediate assistance keeps customers engaged, reduces frustration, and prevents them from seeking alternatives elsewhere. More than just answering questions, chatbots collect valuable lead data and nurture prospects through the buying process. With 82% of customers expecting instant responses (Oracle), chatbots are a crucial tool for maintaining momentum and trust.

Omnichannel Integration: The Future of Dealerships

With 50% of buyers expressing interest in completing their purchase online (Deloitte), dealerships must deliver seamless omnichannel experiences. AI facilitates this integration by connecting physical and digital touchpoints.

Remote test drives, digital contract signing, and personalized follow-ups enable customers to move smoothly through the buying process. AI also tracks interactions across channels to ensure consistent and cohesive communication, fostering loyalty and higher conversion rates.

Beyond the Sale: Cultivating Long-Term Relationships

The journey doesn’t end when a car is sold. AI helps dealerships stay connected with customers through service reminders, trade-in suggestions, and personalized offers for future upgrades.

By analyzing buying patterns and preferences, AI platforms can predict when a customer might be ready for their next purchase. Timely, tailored outreach keeps dealerships top of mind, turning one-time buyers into repeat customers. This ongoing engagement strengthens loyalty and enhances lifetime customer value.

AI is revolutionizing the automotive industry, empowering dealerships to thrive in the digital age. Through predictive analytics and personalization, AI builds trust, converts interest into intent, and drives revenue growth.

No longer a futuristic concept, AI is now essential for dealerships to stay competitive. By enhancing lead generation, personalizing experiences, and streamlining sales, it meets the expectations of modern car buyers. Dealerships embracing AI aren’t just adapting—they’re leading and delivering seamless, intuitive journeys while securing long-term success.

The post From Interest to Intent: Leveraging AI to Boost Dealership Revenue appeared first on Seez.

Seez’s product portfolio is built on proprietary tech, which includes Seezar, an AI chatbot designed to transform customer interactions, along with a range of advanced AI SaaS modules tailored for the automotive industry. As one of the first companies to introduce an AI chat solution for car dealers, Seez has consistently paved the way in utilizing AI to streamline dealer operations and improve efficiency. These innovations have established Seez as a leader in AI products for the automotive industry, with traction across 16 markets and growing. In addition to its AI solutions, Seez offers a suite of e-commerce and omnichannel products. 

Seez CEO Tarek Kabrit said: “As pioneers in bringing AI technology to the automotive sector, this investment underscores our commitment to innovation and disrupting the status quo. We’re excited to capitalize on our momentum, develop our product offerings, and push the boundaries of automotive solutions.”

With a growing demand for intelligent, data-driven solutions — “The success of Seez’s AI modules positions us strongly to accelerate our expansion efforts.”

As one of the largest automotive markets in the world, the United States presents a vast and diverse opportunity, offering immense potential for businesses operating in niche sectors like automotive software.

” Through this phase of expansion, we have secured key partnerships and achieved tremendous success in markets like the UK, Australia, Denmark, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, and the GCC region.” said Kabrit. “The US is our next logical frontier, and we remain committed to delivering our value to new customers and partners globally.”

The post Seez Raises $4.2 Million in Funding to Fast-Track US Expansion Strategy appeared first on Seez.

Part 1 : Reshaping the Automotive Landscape

Q.1) Let’s begin by diving into the big picture. Gerry, How has digitization fundamentally reshaped the automotive industry, particularly in the realms of sales and operations?

Today’s customers are incredibly well-informed thanks to the vast amount of information available online. They can research everything from vehicle specifications to dealership reputation before even stepping foot on a lot. This has definitely made the competition tougher and given consumers a lot more power. Plus, with digital tools like virtual showrooms and augmented reality, customers can enjoy things like virtual test drives and custom vehicle configurations right from the comfort of their homes. It’s really transformed the way people shop for cars.

Q.2) Expanding on that, how has digitization changed the way car buyers interact with dealerships and the overall sales process?

The rise of e-commerce has made it possible for customers to buy vehicles online, including sorting out financing and delivery. They can also customize their car entirely online, selecting everything from the color to unique body kits that might not be available in the showroom. This gives customers greater control over their choices and enhances their buying experience. Additionally, the research phase has moved online, so by the time customers visit dealerships, they’re already well-informed and focused on specific models. This shift means dealerships need to rethink their sales strategies, offering more value-added services and personalized experiences that go beyond just the basic product information.

Part 2 : Digital Tools in Action

Q.3) What specific digital tools have you found most impactful in your role? Can you elaborate on how these tools enhance your sales or operational processes?

From my perspective, chat platforms—both AI-powered and live chat—are incredibly valuable for enhancing customer interactions. Today’s consumers expect quick responses, and these tools are perfect for meeting that demand. AI chatbots, are becoming increasingly popular because they offer 24/7 support, unlike traditional live chat services which often have limited hours. Plus, AI chatbots like Seezar can handle a variety of tasks, from setting up appointments to guiding customers through the sales process.

Additionally, CRM systems and digital marketing tools have been game-changers for dealerships. They help with lead management, customer targeting, and boosting conversion rates. On top of that, inventory management systems have become more advanced, helping dealerships optimize stock levels and improve overall efficiency. While these tools are powerful, successfully implementing them requires effective team training and adoption. This step is key to getting the most out of these technologies and improving sales as well as operational efficiency.

Q.4) Are there any digital tools you’ve considered implementing but ultimately rejected due to potential drawbacks?

Integration is absolutely crucial for the success of any automotive product. Even the best product will struggle if it doesn’t integrate seamlessly with existing systems, especially the core dealer management system. IT leaders prioritize avoiding data duplication and the headaches that come with managing multiple systems. Without proper bidirectional integration, a product quickly loses its value and ends up being a mere KPI-metric tool instead of a true business solution. From my conversations with customers, it’s clear that integration is always a top priority. If a product doesn’t work well with the major industry systems, it’s unlikely to gain any real traction, no matter how good it is.

Part 3 : The Human Touch in a Digital Age

Q.5) With the rise of digitization, Are we witnessing a decline in the importance of human interaction within the automotive industry?

While digitization has undoubtedly reshaped the automotive industry, I believe the role of human interaction has evolved rather than declined. Early in the car buying journey, where customers are doing a lot of online research, there’s less need for direct human involvement. But as they move further down the sales funnel, that human connection becomes more crucial. Retailers will start to use the power of AI to really enhance the customer’s experience and push them further down the funnel, but the final stages of the purchase decision often hinge on interpersonal relationships. People buy from people — ultimately, that human touch is still a key differentiator in closing deals.

Q.6) How can dealerships leverage technology to enhance the customer experience rather than replace salespeople entirely?

By offering digital tools for initial research and inquiries, dealerships can streamline the customer journey and focus sales efforts on building rapport and addressing specific needs. For example, AI-powered chatbots can offer 24/7 support and handle common questions, which lets salespeople concentrate on more valuable interactions. In the end, it’s all about blending technology with human expertise. Technology helps optimize processes, gather valuable data, and provide efficient support, while salespeople shine in building trust, understanding customer needs, and closing deals.

Q.7) AI can now personalize the car buying journey. Is this a win for customer experience, or an intrusion into privacy?

I believe AI-driven personalization can be a significant win for the customer experience. By customizing recommendations and offers based on individual preferences, the car buying journey becomes both more efficient and enjoyable. While we do collect data, it’s usually just basic contact information like names, emails, and phone numbers. There’s also a growing emphasis among businesses on safeguarding customer data, given the severe consequences of data breaches on brand reputation. Plus, the significant investment involved in buying a car naturally discourages predatory sales tactics.

Q.8) What challenges have you faced in implementing digital solutions, and how did you navigate them to achieve success?

One of the biggest challenges with rolling out digital solutions is managing organizational change. Overcoming resistance to new tools and processes requires effective communication, training, and demonstrating the benefits for both employees and customers. To address this, I focus on building consensus, setting clear expectations, and offering ongoing support. I encourage adoption by highlighting how the new solution can simplify workflows and improve customer experiences. It’s also important to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability to keep up with the fast-paced tech landscape—today’s cutting-edge products can quickly become tomorrow’s fish and chips newspaper.

Part 4 : Looking Ahead: The Road to the Future

Q.9) Can you share your vision for the future of digitization within the automotive industry? How do businesses need to plan to stay ahead of the curve and embrace future technological advancements?

I see a lot of potential in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, and it’s set to keep growing, especially with governments pushing more for sustainability. One major challenge we’ll face is developing the infrastructure, like widely accessible charging stations. Beyond just electrification, the automotive industry is also going through a digital transformation. Technologies like connected cars and autonomous driving are evolving quickly, and AI is playing a bigger role in areas such as vehicle performance and manufacturing. To stay ahead, automakers must prioritize research and development while also investing in talent acquisition and development. Ultimately, a customer-centric approach is crucial—technology should always aim to enhance the customer experience.

Gerry’s final ‘brake’ down:

Having spent over a decade in the automotive industry, I’ve noticed a big shift towards the digital age, especially in sales and operations. AI tools and virtual showrooms are changing how people buy cars, but I still think the human touch is key, especially when it comes to closing deals. Launching Seezar, the world’s first automotive-focused ChatGPT, has been a major highlight for Seez. The positive feedback we’re getting reminds me of the early days of Siri or Alexa – there’s so much potential! To win in this ever-evolving market, we need to embrace change and utilize digital tools to simplify operations. Ultimately, our focus should be on enhancing the customer experience by finding the perfect balance between technology and human connection.

Watch the full interview:

The post Embracing Digitization in the Auto Industry: Insights from Seez’s GCC Head of Sales appeared first on Seez.

Part 1: Navigating the Road- Defining the Role of AI in Automotive Marketing

Q1.) Let’s start with the big picture. How would you describe the overall impact of AI on automotive marketing today?

In the marketing space, I think there are three major ways that AI is having an impact on the automotive market. Firstly, the algorithms driving the advertising platforms are becoming increasingly powered by AI. AI is driving the traffic, driving the budget, and is optimizing campaigns to perform a lot better.

Secondly, AI is assisting with creative generation. GPT-powered content creation tools are being used for brainstorming, design elements, and even copyright-compliant content creation. This is a valuable support system for many marketing teams.

Finally, AI is transforming customer support through GPT-powered chatbots like Seezar. These chatbots can answer common customer questions that might otherwise require extensive research. For example, imagine wanting to compare cars. Traditionally, you’d search online and sift through multiple resources. With a chatbot like Seezar, you can simply ask your question, and it will scour the internet to provide a tailored response. You can then ask follow-up questions for further clarification, saving you the hassle of browsing countless review sites and videos.

Q2.) What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you see when it comes to implementing AI-powered marketing strategies in this industry?

The biggest hurdle for AI in automotive is that the industry is still evolving. There’s a lot of data integrations that is required for AI to work effectively. These integrations are going to be a challenge because some of the players in the automotive market still need to advance their digitization, they might be a little bit behind. Those who are behind in digitization are definitely going to have bigger challenges in terms of incorporating AI.

The opportunities are pretty similar to what you see in other industries. AI can improve efficiency, improve results, reduce costs. And that’s not all, it’s going to improve optimization – whether it’s marketing spending or customer support. It goes beyond just making things faster, because with these AI tools, you can find what customers need much quicker and give them exactly what they’re looking for. So, the biggest benefit, in my opinion, is the jump in quality. But if you can handle the initial challenges, these opportunities are definitely worth it!

Part 2. Tailoring the Ride: Targeting Consumers with AI Precision

Q.3) Customer segmentation has always been crucial in automotive marketing. How is AI changing the way you identify and target specific buyer personas?

So, it’s pretty interesting when we used to go into seminars and summits with Meta and other big advertising platforms, they used to be all about ‘know your target market,’ ‘spend your money wisely.’ Now with their AI algorithms getting more advanced they’re like, okay, be more general and have the AI figure it out for you. Just increase the amount of data sources that you have coming in to actually get the AI to be able to target effectively, so that it can understand the signals that are coming in. You know, personally, it feels like we’re getting a glimpse into way more customers, reaching them better. And that’s a win-win! Costs go down ’cause you’re hitting the right folks at the right time, and your stats become way more efficient.

Q.4) Can you share a specific example of an AI-driven campaign that successfully reached your desired audience in the automotive sector?

At Seez, we’ve always been data-driven since day one. So we always had data tools and integrations embedded into our products. We’ve always been looking at signals on website events, et cetera. One of the interesting opportunities that we identified was in the Danish market where we wanted to improve purchase conversions. So what we did is we took a look at these events, we cross referenced them with the demographics and the spending that we had. Our data team are like ML wizards. They basically created a machine learning tool to be able to crunch the numbers and effectively tell us how much we should increase or decrease spend. Interestingly, we found that customers younger than 25 , while engaged initially appeared ideal based on their interest and tech savviness, faced financing hurdles later. This meant they weren’t converting at the bottom of the funnel. This key insight allowed us to optimize our spend. In fact, this AI analysis and spending optimization are now fully integrated into SeezBoost, the product we offer our clients.

Part 3: Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Automotive Marketing

Q.5) Are there any ethical considerations or potential pitfalls we should be aware of when leveraging AI in this industry?

There are two ethical concerns that people are concerned about. Firstly, everyone’s worried about data privacy. You know, where’s all our data going? The good news is companies are getting better at handling it. Also, the laws are getting more effective in ensuring data privacy and consent for data that’s being shared.

Secondly, remember the scare when GPT came out? Everyone thought oh, we’re going to lose jobs! But honestly, at all the summits and marketing panels I’ve been to, the feeling is the opposite. We’re not losing jobs, we’re just gonna be doing different things. Think of it like this: AI frees up our time, so instead of repetitive tasks, we can focus on more important stuff. It’s like having a super-powered assistant! The work will be better quality, not less work. We’ll still have the same jobs, but we’ll be able to accomplish way more with the help of AI and data. Basically, we’re just shifting gears and doing cooler stuff!

Q.6) As AI continues to evolve, what exciting possibilities do you see for its application in automotive marketing in the years to come?

So, from a creative marketing perspective, we’re figuring out that AI can help us with copywriting and it can help us with design. These tools are only going to get more advanced as time goes on. Every industry, not just car companies, needs to get on board with incorporating more data sources and have companies like Seez helping them use these AI tools effectively. Think of it like this – we built this GPT powered chatbot called Seezar. Now, GPT is great, but on its own, it wouldn’t understand the car business. It’s like a blank canvas. We had to train Seezar, feed it the right info, so it could actually help customers. Now, it’s like a automotive wiz ready to answer questions and help dealerships provide premium customer service.

Jad’s final ‘brake’ down:

Honestly, I think it’s exciting. We’re seeing a ton of cool tech out there, but the key is staying on top of it and getting better. You gotta adapt to these new tools. Especially the auto industry – they can be a bit slow on the uptake with some of this cutting-edge stuff. But trust me, these tools are gonna be huge, and the folks who jump on board now are gonna be the winners.

Watch the full interview:

The post AI’s Impact on the Automotive Industry: Insights from Seez’s Marketing Director appeared first on Seez.

Let’s break down how these AI chatbots are going to make a car dealer’s daily life better:

1. Always Ready to Help: Unlike people who need breaks and have working hours, AI chatbots are always ready. They can help customers anytime, day or night. So, customers can get info, set up appointments, or ask questions whenever they want, not just when the dealership is open.
2. Quick Answers: No more waiting a long time for answers. AI chatbots reply super fast, making the dealership known for being quick and helpful.
3. Personal Touch: These AI bots do more than just tech stuff. They understand what each customer needs and talk to them in a way that feels personal, like having a special helper just for them.
4. Less Boring Work: AI chatbots take care of boring tasks like scheduling test drives and inputting data, so the human staff can spend more time on important things.
5. Data-driven Insights: AI chatbots are really good at collecting and interpreting info from customers. This helps the dealership know what customers like and want, making it easier to sell cars and make customers happy. These insights enable dealerships to make informed decisions regarding inventory management, marketing strategies, and customer service enhancements.
6. Saves Money: Unlike hiring and training people, using AI chatbots is a cost-effective solution. They are trained once and can handle as many questions as needed.

But, like everything, there are some challenges to using these new AI helpers:

1. Not Like Humans: AI chatbots might not understand feelings the way humans do. Sometimes their answers might sound too technical or not show enough understanding of what people are feeling.
2. Customer Relationships: Some worry that relying too much on tech might mean losing the personal touch that humans bring with the relationships they create. AI chatbots don’t have their own network of people.

So, even though it might take a bit to get used to these new AI helpers, remember they’re here to make things better, not replace the human side of selling cars. They help make things easier for dealerships, giving customers a smoother ride through the car-buying process. As the technology continues to evolve, dealerships that embrace AI chatbots will be well-positioned to thrive in the competitive car market.

We’ve recently dove into this space and developed Seezar, a GPT-powered chatbot. Seezar is an example of how AI chatbots can revolutionize the automotive industry. You can find out more at https://seezar.ai/

The post How AI Chatbots Will Change the Daily Life of a Dealer appeared first on Seez.