AI for car dealerships: answer stock questions and book test drives
Car buyers message several dealers at once about the same kind of car. The one that answers first, with photos and a test-drive slot, usually gets the visit. An AI agent with your stock list can do that in minutes, any time of day.
What buyers ask
These are the messages car dealerships get most. An agent answers them from the notes you give it.
- Is the blue hatchback from your listing still available?
- How many miles has it done?
- Can I book a test drive on Saturday?
- Do you take part exchange?
- Can you send more photos of the interior?
An example conversation
This illustration shows a full conversation on WhatsApp. Names and details are examples.
| Who | Message |
|---|---|
| Ali | Is the blue hatchback from your listing still available? |
| AI agent | It is, with 18,000 miles and a full service history. I’ve sent more photos. Would you like a test drive? |
| Ali | Saturday morning? |
| AI agent | You’re booked for a test drive on Saturday at 10am. Sales will have the car ready. |
Outcome: new appointment. Test drive booked, Saturday 10am.
What the agent handles, and what goes to your team
Dealerships get many questions about specific cars from buyers who are comparing several dealers. Your agent can answer from your stock list, send photos as attachments, and book test drives into your system. Finance quotes and valuations should come from your sales team.
The agent can handle:
- Whether a car is still available, its mileage and history
- Sending more photos as attachments
- Booking test drives
- Opening hours and location
It should pass these to a person, and then stay out of the chat:
- Finance quotes and credit
- Part-exchange valuations
- Price negotiation
Which channels to connect
Buyers mostly message dealers on WhatsApp, often from a listing, and on Instagram for new stock.
Set it up in four steps
- Give your agent your stock list, with photos and key details.
- Set the hand-over: finance, part exchange and price go to sales.
- Connect the WhatsApp number on your listings.
- Let the agent book test drives into the slots you set.
Who you message
Pricing
FAQ
Can the agent quote finance?
We suggest it does not. It can collect the details and pass finance questions to your sales team.
Can it send photos of a car?
Yes. Replies can carry attachments, so the buyer gets the photos in the same chat.
Can the agent agree a price?
Set it up not to. Price and finance go to a salesperson, and the agent says someone will get back to them.