More than three quarters of automotive dealerships (78 percent) say they are unsure about how to effectively use AI-generated predictive data, indicating a significant knowledge gap that hinders their ability to modernize operations, according to the results of a survey released by Detroit-based Lotlinx, a VIN-specific data company for dealership inventory management.
The survey also revealed that only 5 percent of dealers are leveraging AI and predictive data for predictive maintenance in service departments, and an equally low 5 percent are using these technologies for inventory management and pricing optimization.
This underutilization, according to Lotlinx, highlights a missed opportunity for dealerships to enhance their service offerings and improve financial performance. The survey interviewed more than 2,500 dealers across the U.S.
Despite the potential benefits of AI and predictive analytics, many dealerships remain entrenched in what Lotlinx calls “outdated practices.” The survey revealed that while 21.36 percent of dealerships use AI for customer relationship management (CRM) and lead scoring, the majority are not capitalizing on these tools to improve customer engagement or operational efficiency.
The survey also identified barriers to adoption. Integration with existing systems (19 percent), staff training and adoption (18 percent), and data quality or accuracy issues (21 percent) were cited as the primary challenges preventing dealerships from fully embracing predictive analytics.
“These survey results reveal a stark reality, as many dealers are struggling to leverage predictive analytics effectively,” says Len Short, executive chairman of Lotlinx. “With such a high percentage of dealerships unsure about utilizing predictive data, there is a clear need for education and partnership with experienced providers like Lotlinx to help bridge this gap as we progress through 2025.”
Looking ahead, according to the survey, 80 percent of dealers indicated plans to invest in AI in 2025.
For more information on the survey and its results, visit here.
 say they are unsure about how to effectively use AI-generated predictive data, indicating a significant knowledge gap that hinders their ability to modernize operations, according to the results of a survey released by Detroit-based Lotlinx, a VIN-specific data company for dealership inventory management.){kind=link}