One of the things I appreciate most about this industry is its adaptability. Automotive retail never stands still, and neither do the people in it. Dealers have continually found new ways to serve customers, improve their operations, and turn change into opportunity.
That spirit was everywhere at Amplify.
Over the course of the event, we talked about where automotive retail is headed and, more importantly, what dealers can do today to prepare for what’s next. We explored how dealerships can increase employee productivity, create a more connected customer experience, turn information into action, and simplify increasingly complex operations.
Those are big challenges, but they also represent tremendous opportunities.
The dealerships that can connect information, automate repetitive work, and help employees make better decisions faster have an opportunity to accomplish more with the people and resources they already have.
That’s where technology can make a meaningful difference: by making your existing team more effective than ever. It’s an essential conversation that’s only growing more important as artificial intelligence becomes part of more dealership operations.
There’s an important reason we started with the data.
AI needs complete, consistent information to produce reliable, actionable results. When information is fragmented across disconnected systems, AI will get you to an answer fast, but it’s likely the wrong answer. That’s where clean, unified data comes in: It’s the crucial foundation that allows Rey to be truly impactful, providing accurate information that is relevant for your unique business.
But AI was only part of the story at Amplify.
We explored what’s next across fixed operations, customer relationship management, and the rest of dealership operations. In every area, the objective is the same: remove complexity and help your people accomplish more.
People still come first.
As much as we talk about technology at Amplify, this event has always been about people.
I’ve always believed automotive retail comes down to people, process, and technology, in that order.
That’s why one of my favorite parts of Amplify continues to be the Automotive Amplifiers Contest. Hearing dealership employees share the ideas they’re putting into practice is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t come from technology alone. It happens when people find better ways to solve problems.
This year’s winners, Randy Carlton and Chris Lasko, brought that idea to life with creative solutions to challenges dealerships face nationwide. Randy shared how Volvo Cars Bellevue uses video to engage sales leads, while Chris showcased BMW of Pittsburgh’s fully remote F&I department.
Both are inventive approaches that challenge the way things have traditionally been done. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to
hear their presentations. Their ideas just might inspire the next generation of dealership problem-solvers.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Amplify may be over this year, but we have plenty more to show you.
I hope you’ll join us at NADA to continue the conversation and explore how we’re helping dealerships turn connected data and technology into measurable improvements across their operations.
And, of course, we’re already preparing for Amplify 2027.
Next year, we’re heading to Nashville, Tennessee, and I hope you’ll join us.
We’re excited to keep building the future of this industry alongside you and all of our dealership partners.
