An AI-native dealer management system (DMS) means that AI is seamlessly connected to and can pull from the system's database in real time—no middleware, no overnight syncs, no bolt-on integrations.

In a recent webinar, Jim Shannon, Senior Director of Emerging Product Enablement at Tekion, walked dealers through the latest AI agents within Tekion’s Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC)—Service Scheduler AI, Technician AI, and Service Advisor AI, as well as T1, the built-in AI interface.

Built on a unified platform, a single data model, and an ISO/IEC 42001-certified governance framework, these agents represent a shift in how AI supports dealership operations—from bolt-on tools to connected, operational intelligence.

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Why context changes dealership AI

When customer data, vehicle history, and dealership operations work together on one unified platform, context carries forward. AI can understand not just what’s happening in the moment, but what should happen next.  

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What “AI-native” actually means

Tekion AI is embedded directly into the system—reading and updating data in real time across workflows.  

This allows teams to:  

• Reduce manual work

• Move faster across processes

• Act on insights, not just view them

All while maintaining human oversight where it matters.

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Service Scheduler AI

This AI agent helps dealerships capture more service opportunities by handling inbound calls using your actual dealership data—such as op codes, capacity, and advisor availability.

Instead of missed calls or delays, customers get faster responses and seamless booking—while every interaction is documented and visible within the communication hub.  

The result is fewer missed appointments, smoother scheduling, and better customer experiences.

Technician AI

Technician AI supports inspections by surfacing relevant information at the right time—based on the vehicle’s make and model profile and service history.

Technicians can capture findings through voice or video, while AI helps translate those insights into clear, customer-ready recommendations.

This reduces manual documentation, improves consistency, and helps advisors communicate value more effectively.

Service Advisor AI

Service Advisor AI helps advisors focus on the recommendations that matter most—by reordering them based on what’s most likely to convert and translating technician notes into clear, customer-friendly language.

Instead of presenting a static list of technical findings, AI evaluates each recommendation in context—factoring in the customer's vehicle, service history, and dealership priorities—to surface what's most relevant, most valuable, or most likely to be approved. It then rewrites technician shorthand into plain terms customers actually understand, making it easier for them to confidently approve important repairs.

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T1: Ask anything

T1 transforms search into a conversational experience—allowing teams to ask questions, access insights, and take action across the platform.  

• Ask — Connected to every customer, vehicle, deal, repair order, and financial record across ARC, T1 gives your team complete context in one conversational interface.

• Decide —T1 analyzes real-time dealership data, surfaces insights, and ranks results so teams can make faster, more informed decisions.

• Act — T1 doesn't just surface insights, it triggers workflows, assigns next steps, and executes tasks directly within your existing processes.

T1 begins by helping teams find answers—and evolves toward helping them take action.

T1 is still in pilot and is not available yet.

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Trust: ISO/IEC 42001 certified

Tekion is among the first automotive retail platform providers certified to ISO/IEC 42001, the international standard for AI management systems.

This framework supports:

• Responsible AI governance

• Human oversight

• Risk management and auditability

This framework ensures AI is deployed effectively and accountably.

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What’s next

Tekion continues to expand its AI capabilities across the platform, with additional innovation announcements expected throughout the year—including at Tekion One in Las Vegas this June.

Each new capability builds on the same foundation: one platform, one data model, and a consistent approach to responsible AI.

Watch the full webinar on-demand.

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