Josselyn Boudett, Founder and Chairman of  STELLA Automotive AI, sat down with Jason W. Smith, Head of Truist Dealer Commercial Services, to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping dealerships deliver the best possible customer experience while streamlining their operations. 

How did you get involved in AI and in developing the concept for STELLA?

I was into AI so early that we didn't even call it AI. Back in the mid-90s, I worked at Lucent Technologies where our Bell Labs delivered sophisticated data routing capabilities that could re-route and “heal” any issues as data travelled around the world. In the late ‘90s, I worked with a start-up that used peer-to-peer networking and language technology to evaluate patent claims.

Josselyn Boudett, CEO and founder of STELLA Automotive AI, and Jason W. Smith, Head of Truist Dealer Commercial Services.
In the early 2000s, I worked with the first consulting firm in the world out of Cambridge (Massachusetts) that built custom AI simulations using agent-based models (like SIM City at work). We also built search and discovery technology using adaptive genetic algorithms.

Fast forward to 2016 when my interest in systems that deliver intelligence led me to write the business plan for an AI digital voice assistant that could make sense of a company’s data and deliver a language model to talk to its staff and customers. The conversational AI system that we created became the platform for STELLA Automotive AI.

What prompted you to focus on auto retailing?

One of my investor friends invited me to a National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show, and I went with a demo of the AI voice assistant on my iPad. I walked around the booths and showed people what was possible. Dealers and vendors were practically chasing me down the aisles asking me to bring a similar product to auto dealerships. 

What excited dealers most about what STELLA could do for them?

You talk to the STELLA AI voice assistant, as you can to Siri or Alexa. It interacts with customers over the phone, a key step in the customer’s car-buying journey and a vital element in every part of a dealer’s business. Historically, dealers have had a tough time hiring and retaining staff to handle these calls. STELLA addresses this pain point for them.

Say a customer calls the dealership and has a bad phone experience. Not only does that leave a bad impression in the customer’s mind, but dealers that want satisfied customers also need OEMs to see high customer service scores.

Dealers had hoped that chatbots would be the answer, but they failed to deliver, whereas STELLA provides a world-class customer experience.

What were some of the biggest hurdles you had to overcome to bring AI technology to dealers?

The amount of software a dealership relies on is staggering. While you wouldn’t expect a business with less than 100 employees to run as much software as a Fortune 100 company, it’s not unusual to see dealers using more than 80 different programs. It’s a fractured technology ecosystem that lacks data-sharing capabilities—many of the software applications weren't designed to work together.

AI takes on the task of data integration much differently. AI doesn't really care where the data is held and can use natural language techniques to bridge various applications and assemble the data. We’re one of the first vendors that could cross the boundaries of the tech stack regardless of the software the dealership runs.

A publicly traded dealership organization or a large privately operated dealership group could have an even more complex tech stack to support its numerous stores. AI software isn’t challenged by volume or complexity like traditional systems are. We’re able to distribute and deploy a configurable, secure product that's agnostic to a dealership's specific technology profile and meets the needs of each unique business, all on one SaaS platform. It's radical. It's exciting. And it's a huge advantage of the STELLA AI solution.

What other advantages does AI offer?

AI is a fluid product that offers great flexibility in how it can be configured. Let’s say you have two dealerships, with vastly different service operations. One has a huge service department, and they’re open 24/7. The other is small and limited in the amount of service traffic it can handle at any one time. When a customer calls to have their car serviced, the conversation with these two dealerships will be quite different.

For the large service department, the phone conversation might be, "You don't need to make an appointment. We're open 24/7, and you can come in any time. When do you think you’ll be coming in? Tomorrow? Great. We’ll see you then.” It’s a straightforward dialogue with no specific restrictions.

The small service department might have more limitations that create a need for further interaction based on the type of service the customer needs. “You have 48,000 miles on your car? OK, then let’s get you in for factory maintenance. It looks like you have a recall, too.” Or “You need an oil change? We have Thursday afternoon, or Friday morning. Would either of those times work for you?”

The software and dialog rules driving those conversations can be completely different, but our software-as- a-service AI product is able to serve both of those dealerships. We configure the product to each dealer’s specific business rules and policies.

Are there other areas where STELLA supports dealerships?

As a customer engagement system, STELLA’s job is talking to customers, finding out what they need, and matching their needs to the dealer at hand.

We support just about every area at a dealership. We serve reception, booking, parts, and sales. On the sales side, we can start with an understanding of the exact car the customer has been researching. We book test drives. We check inventory and schedule service appointments. We're currently working on a parts module and expect to be rolling that out early next year. In addition to phone calls, STELLA handles web, chat, and SMS text. All our solutions can be adjusted to fit the individual guidelines and policies of each dealership.

What’s the one area where STELLA has the greatest impact?

Staffing—there’s no question about it. Most dealerships are short-staffed. They have a tough time recruiting staff and finding the time to train them once they do. 
—Josselyn Boudett, CEO and founder of STELLA Automotive AI

Anything we can do to help to provide relief from those constant staffing pressures is a win.

Beyond that, STELLA does much of what people don’t want to do anyway. Anything highly repetitive and frequent is what STELLA does best. Employees are happy to be released from those kinds of tasks.

STELLA frees people to work on the activities that create the most value for customers and that can transform the dealer-customer relationship. Staff can spend more time helping customers, whether it’s finding the car they want or having the service experience they need. Staff will also have more time to focus on your business, looking for operational improvements or developing growth strategies to boost your dealership’s financial returns.

What do you mean by “transform the dealer-customer relationship”?

Dealerships tend to operate on a transactional basis with customers. They haven’t been able to connect all the data they have and use it to enhance the customer experience.

Humans can be linear. A salesperson can think, who are you? What car do you have? Is it still under warranty? When was your last service? Are you due for service? Do you have insurance? What’s your credit score? What’s the value of your trade-in? That’s a lot of information to gather and process.

AI is the opposite of linear—it’s simultaneously aware. STELLA's going to remember all the conversations a customer has had and assemble it all in one millisecond. So instead of answering the phone with “Hello, how can I help you?”, STELLA can answer the phone, already having some idea of how it can help the customer.

If you want your dealership to provide an exceptional customer experience, you’ve got to be proactive. From the moment a customer walks in the door, dealers need to know as much as possible about them, including if they've been here before, under what circumstances, what conversations they’ve had, and what they might need. Dealers need that information upfront, right away. They need to provide their staff with insights and recommendations to help them anticipate their customers’ needs. STELLA is about putting more intelligence into a dealership, bringing in actionable data that wasn’t available before.

So, what’s next on the horizon for STELLA in the auto dealership business?

We’re thrilled about our partnership with Microsoft that we announced recently at NADA. As Microsoft’s Copilot for Automotive, STELLA can guide dealers through the performance and management of their business, integrating phone, email, web, and chat with big data, analytics, and intelligence.

We’re eager about where we’re going and what else we could do with STELLA, and the dealers have been excited to join us on this journey. We’ve had a large group of dealers join our advisory group, and those that have bought and are using STELLA are active in providing input for our product roadmap. We feel like these dealer relationships help us keep a finger on the pulse of the market.

Finally, what’s it been like for you building an AI business in the predominantly male tech industry?

I would say it's been a privilege. It’s true, there aren’t many women in technology, especially in deep tech, like AI. People tend to be a little wary of AI and how it works, but this industry has seen, firsthand, what it can do. The auto dealer market has been very welcoming to both me and the STELLA solution. I'm proud to be in this vertical—it feels open and ready for the world's next steps.

Learn about the groundbreaking impact that AI can have on the way you do business.

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How AI is transforming the auto dealership business

Reynolds and Reynolds and major dealership groups invest in expansion of STELLA’s innovative automotive AI solutions
 
May 01, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--STELLA™ Automotive AI, Inc. (“STELLA”), a provider of automotive artificial intelligence technology, announced the closing of its oversubscribed Series A financing round, which raised $19.7 million to drive market growth and support ongoing product enhancement and development.

The raise comprises both newly invested capital and outstanding convertible notes that converted into this Series A issuance.

The Presidio Group acted as exclusive financial advisor to STELLA for the Series A financing, helping it procure capital from existing backers and several new investors from within the auto retail ecosystem, including strategic partner Reynolds and Reynolds and nine new strategic dealer investors: Qvale Auto Group, OREMOR Automotive Group, Mills Automotive Group, Bowers Automotive Group, MileOne Autogroup, Flow Automotive, MBB Auto Group, Ford Family Investments and West Herr Auto Group.

Using STELLA’s technology, dealerships can solve the longtime major pain points of engaging with customers in a timely and helpful fashion. STELLA’s AI assistant can simultaneously handle unlimited inbound calls as it engages in natural language conversations 24/7 to deliver a world-class customer experience. The STELLA assistant is trained on a wide range of automotive retail topics and can answer frequently asked questions and schedule service and sales appointments.

The expansion of STELLA’s strategic dealer investor group provides a unique advantage as the company continues to enhance and expand its technological capabilities.

“Having dealers on board as early investors and users of STELLA’s technology creates a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties,” said Presidio Managing Director Keith Style. “Strategic investors who have deployed these solutions provide real-time feedback, enabling STELLA to quickly enhance its current product offerings and develop a robust roadmap of future products that dealers want to deploy in their stores.”

STELLA’s products integrate with existing dealership software offered by companies like Reynolds and Reynolds, a longtime leading provider of the full Retail Management System for auto retailers.

“As we look to the future of automotive retail and the positive impact artificial intelligence can have, two things are clear. First, the broader an ecosystem we can build for AI to interact with, the more powerful it will be. And second, the data layer AI technology uses to make decisions will determine how much benefit it will have for retailers and our industry as a whole,” said Chris Walsh, president of Reynolds. “Our investment in STELLA is a great launching pad to take AI in automotive retail to the next level.”

Having Reynolds as an early investor provides another avenue for STELLA to test and refine its AI solutions.

“The investment by Reynolds and Reynolds underscores the tremendous value inherent in STELLA’s technology and its ability to improve dealership efficiency and profitability and enhance the customer experience,” said Presidio CEO Brodie Cobb. “The industry’s strategic venture investors see huge potential in artificial intelligence to transform the aspects of vehicle sales and service that haven’t always worked seamlessly. STELLA’s innovative products and this successful financing round further cement the promise AI holds for the industry.”

About The Presidio Group

The Presidio Group (“Presidio”) was founded in 1998 with the simple mission to relentlessly put the interests of our clients first. By steadfastly adhering to this philosophy, the firm has earned the trust of clients throughout the United States. During their careers, the professionals at Presidio have collectively done more than 275 transactions totaling approximately $18.5 billion. The Presidio Group is based in Denver and Atlanta. Presidio Merchant Partners LLC is a subsidiary of The Presidio Group LLC and is a member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information on Presidio, visit www.thepresidiogroup.com.

About STELLA

STELLA™ Automotive AI, Inc. (“STELLA”) is the leading provider of automotive AI technology. STELLA, based in Tampa, Fla., helps auto dealers deliver a complete and intelligent customer experience via telephone, chat and web. STELLA’s digital assistant behaves like a staff member to complete repetitive tasks such as answering and routing phone calls, booking appointments and answering frequently asked questions about vehicle sales and service. STELLA sits on top of legacy software infrastructure and reports analytic information about customer behavior to the dealer. Dealership groups are adding STELLA to their stores every week with tens of thousands of customer calls being handled 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about STELLA at www.stellaautomotive.com

Contacts
The Presidio Group
Keith Style
Managing director
kstyle@thepresidiogroup.com
678-831-5523
www.thepresidiogroup.com

STELLA
Shelli Clark
Director of marketing
shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com
(913) 485-2145

STELLA™ Automotive AI, Inc., a provider of automotive artificial intelligence technology, announced the closing of its oversubscribed Series A financing round.  Reynolds and Reynolds and major dealership groups invest in expansion of STELLA’s innovative automotive AI solutions.

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The Presidio Group Advises STELLA™ Automotive AI on $19.7M Series A Funding

Join us for the discussion with Rich Sands, CEO for STELLA AI, as he joins Brian Pasch.  On this podcast Rich introduces STELLA 360CX CoPilot, an AI platform built around the customer specifically for automotive, and shares other updates on strategic partnerships and integrations.  Tune in now for invaluable insights and a glimpse into how we are transforming dealer operations and customer interactions in real-time. 

Rich Sands joins Brian Pasch introducing STELLA 360CX CoPilot, an AI platform built around the customer specifically for automotive. 

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Brian Pasch Podcast with Rich Sands, CEO for STELLA Automotive AI

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TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- STELLATM Automotive AI today announced its collaboration with Microsoft to deliver a next-generation automotive retail customer experience that combines STELLA's extensive language-driven automotive technology portfolio with  Microsoft Azure AI Services.  With this collaboration, STELLA will use Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to extend STELLA's digital voice assistant into more robust topic areas, creating a holistic user experience and seamless integration for automakers and dealers using conversational user interfaces.

"Today STELLA creates unmatched efficiency delivering front line conversational technology in the dealer environment," says Rich Sands, STELLA Automotive AI's CEO. "By collaborating with Microsoft and applying their cutting-edge AI solutions through Azure, we will be able to build customer experiences that last through more than just a single transaction; STELLA will harness enhanced language capabilities, increased compute power, intelligence, and predictive resources to deliver a continuous and seamless consumer relationship to our customers."   

With integrations into Dealer Management Systems, Financial and Insurance platforms, and scheduler and CRM systems, STELLA is already federating large amounts of data.  The integration with Microsoft will allow the STELLA SaaS product to be delivered on Azure, and to be deployed with Dealers, OEM's, top system integrators and service providers who are using other Microsoft assets as well as Open AI services in automotive. By re-platforming on Azure, STELLA will be able to integrate with Microsoft Azure advanced AI capabilities to improve its digital voice assistant.

"Generative AI has the potential to fundamentally change the way OEMs and dealers interact with customers through natural language. With STELLA AI's deep automotive expertise and Microsoft AI and cloud leadership, we are well positioned to support automakers in creating highly differentiated customer experiences," said Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft.

STELLA AI's fully integrated, AI-powered conversational assistant facilitates advanced voice interactions, thereby reshaping the customer experience and dealership operations. The collaboration enables automotive OEMs and their customers to create a holistic user experience through seamless integrations using conversational AI. 

For more information about STELLA Automotive AI, please visit https://www.stellaautomotive.com/.

About STELLATM Automotive AI:
STELLA Automotive AI is the leading provider of intelligent conversational AI technology in the automotive industry. Through its groundbreaking AI solutions, STELLA empowers the automotive industry with a simple-to-deploy SaaS platform that integrates with dealerships and their service providers securely and privately to fully automate repetitive customer service tasks, to expedite and improve communication with customers, and to connect experts to those who need help. STELLA is spearheading an AI revolution in automotive retail by addressing key challenges faced by OEMs, dealers, and customers alike.

Media Contact:
Shelli Clark
shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com
(913) 485-2145

SOURCE STELLA Automotive AI

STELLA AUTOMOTIVE AI COLLABORATES WITH MICROSOFT TO ADVANCE AUTOMOTIVE RETAIL WITH GENERATIVE AI-POWERED TECHNOLOGY

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Solera’s latest innovative solution aims to transform automotive customer experience by optimizing operational processes and enhancing customer engagement through integrated, advanced AI technology

Westlake, TX, January 23, 2024: Solera, the leader in vehicle lifecycle management, is pleased to partner with STELLA Automotive AI to unveil a new solution, ServiceAgent AI, utilizing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to alter the landscape of automotive customer experiences by streamlining operational processes and improving customer engagement. ServiceAgent AI takes customer service to the next level by allowing service teams to focus on providing an exceptional customer experience instead of mundane tasks, ultimately leading to increased dealership profitability.

The new service boasts a digital voice assistant that enables it to handle multiple inbound service calls simultaneously, 24/7/365, providing unmatched customer accessibility. The system also allows customers to easily book, change, cancel, and confirm service appointments, thanks to integration with the Service Scheduler or Dealer Management System (DMS), making the booking process more efficient and precise.

Partnering with STELLA, Solera’s new ServiceAgent AI incorporates conversational AI that answers car dealerships’ and service centers’ phones. It will  enhance customer engagement with personalized greetings and messages based on phone numbers.

ServiceAgent AI provides comprehensive insights into service appointment booking and management system performance and efficiency, enabling service teams to deliver exceptional customer support. Additionally, the new service enhances the overall dealership experience by creating a more personalized and efficient service that provides comprehensive insights into call volumes, handling times, call outcomes, and customer satisfaction scores.

 “This new partnership between STELLA and Solera generates a powerful synergy, combining the cutting-edge technology of Stella AI with Solera’s top-notch end-to-end service offerings, all underpinned by a mutual commitment to providing unparalleled customer satisfaction,” states Nicole Case, AVP Global BPO Operations, Solera.  “The introduction of Solera’s ServiceAgent AI  represents a significant advancement in improving service efficiency and customer satisfaction for our clients. ServiceAgent AI is a game-changer for dealerships and service centers, automating routine tasks and leveraging AI to free up service teams to focus on customers in the bay. By simplifying appointment management and providing exceptional customer support, our service creates a more personalized and efficient service, enhancing the overall dealership experience.”

Solera’s pioneering approach to revolutionizing the automotive industry remains steadfast, evident through its unwavering commitment to excellence. Their top-tier agent training,  tailored inbound and outbound strategies, and clear and informative reporting prioritize delivering exceptional service. With an annual influx of 2.2 million inbound and 7 million outbound calls, Solera’s innovative AI technology complements their comprehensive live agent solution, ensuring full coverage for dealership needs.      

 “This partnership with Solera exemplifies STELLA Automotive AI’s dedication to innovation and driving the automotive industry forward,” declares Stella AI’s CEO, Rich Sands. “By automating routine tasks and streamlining communication processes, they aim to enhance the overall customer experience and boost profitability for their clients. Their state-of-the-art AI platform, Stella, enables effortless connections among Brands, Dealers, and Customers, resulting in significant time and cost savings, as well as an unparalleled guest experience. The benefits of AI continue to expand, and it is exhilarating to see its implementation within the automotive industry.”

Attendees at the NADA Show 2024 Expo, held between February 2nd – 4th, will be one of the first to learn about ServiceAgent AI. Visit Solera’s Vehicle Solutions NADA event page (https://www.solera.com/nada/) to secure a time or stop by Booth #2901W at the Las Vegas Convention Center. See how Solera’s disruptive AI-powered service is set to transform the automotive customer experience landscape by boosting customer satisfaction and profitability. 

**About Solera**  

Solera is the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management software-as-a-service, data, and services. Through four lines of business – vehicle claims, vehicle repairs, vehicle solutions, and fleet solutions – Solera is home to many leading brands in the vehicle lifecycle ecosystem, including Identifix, Audatex, DealerSocket, Omnitracs, LoJack, Spireon, eDriving/Mentor, Explore, cap hpi, Autodata, and others. Solera empowers its customers to succeed in the digital age by providing them with a “one-stop shop” solution that streamlines operations, offers data-driven analytics, and enhances customer engagement, which Solera believes helps customers drive sales, promote customer retention, and improve profit margins. Solera serves over 300,000 global customers and partners in 100+ countries. For more information, visit www.solera.com. 

**About STELLA Automotive AI**

STELLA Automotive AI is the leading provider of intelligent conversational AI technology in the automotive industry. Through its groundbreaking AI solutions, STELLA empowers the automotive industry with a simple-to-deploy SaaS platform that integrates with dealerships and their service providers securely and privately to fully automate repetitive customer tasks, to expedite and improve communication with customers, and to connect experts to those who need help. STELLA answered millions of phone calls and helped customers accomplish their goals quickly and easily. Using natural language STELLA is spearheading an AI revolution in automotive retail by addressing key challenges faced by OEMs, dealers, and customers alike. For more information, visit: www.stellaautomotive.com.

Solera’s latest innovative solution aims to transform automotive customer experience by optimizing operational processes and enhancing customer engagement through integrated, advanced AI technology



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Solera and STELLA Automotive AI Team Up to Revolutionize Automotive Customer Experiences

FORT MYERS, FL, USA, January 30, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Volie Inc., the leading provider of Automotive BDC Software, today announced an integration with STELLATM Automotive AI, a leader in cutting-edge conversational AI technology to the automotive industry. Together, this integration provides dealers leveraging Volie and STELLA technology with a competitive advantage and the ability to deliver a next-generation automotive retail customer experience.

“Our integration with STELLA Automotive AI is a win for auto dealers and their customers. The goal is to provide a better experience for our dealers’ customers. Working with STELLA Automotive AI will allow our dealers more time to focus on growing their business through outbound calls,” said Scott Davis, Volie President and co-founder.

Rich Sands, CEO of STELLA Automotive AI stated, “By seamlessly integrating our advanced conversational AI technology with Volie’s all-in-one BDC software, dealers are empowered with more robust information, gaining an edge for more intelligent interactions with their customers. We already have dealers taking advantage of this integration and reporting enhanced customer interactions as a result.”

Dealers now enjoy enhanced interactions with Volie's call screen, integrating STELLA data for streamlined communication. This integration provides relevant customer details from prior STELLA conversations, reducing repetitive questions and creating a seamless experience. BDC agents benefit from reduced inbound calls, allowing them to focus on proactive outreach via outbound calls, emails, and SMS to drive business growth.

Volie's modern automotive call center software simplifies BDC operations, eliminating the need for traditional desk phones. The integration campaign engine optimizes daily workflows by seamlessly consolidating data from DMS, CRM, OEM, web leads, and all data sources. This ensures that Volie's solutions prioritize and enhance the most critical areas for dealership agents.

STELLA efficiently manages repetitive calls, seamlessly transferring customers to dealership personnel, like BDC agents, using Volie software. This integration enhances dealership operation, reduces costs, and improves customer service scores.

For more information or to schedule a demo, contact Volie at sales@volie.com, call 239-201-4944, or visit www.Volie.com.

About STELLA Automotive AI

STELLA Automotive AI is the leading provider of intelligent conversational AI technology in the automotive industry. Through its groundbreaking AI solutions, STELLA empowers the automotive industry with a simple-to-deploy SaaS platform that integrates with dealerships and their service providers securely and privately to fully automate repetitive customer tasks, to expedite and improve communication with customers, and to connect experts to those who need help. STELLA answered millions of phone calls and helped customers accomplish their goals quickly and easily. Using natural language STELLA is spearheading an AI revolution in automotive retail by addressing key challenges faced by OEMs, dealers, and customers alike.

For more information about STELLA Automotive AI, please visit https://www.stellaautomotive.com/.

About Volie

Based in Fort Myers, FL, Volie is the communication software for the automotive industry that enables dealers, BDCs, call centers, and vendors to manage campaigns, customer data, and communication types under one powerful platform. It is specifically designed for auto dealers as a unified, web-based platform that integrates data management, automated campaigns, omnichannel marketing including calls, email, and text, and real-time reporting to increase productivity, reduce time-consuming manual tasks, and enable business continuity from anywhere.

STELLA integrates with Volie Automotive BDC Solftware

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Volie Inc. Integrates it's Automotive BDC Software with STELLA Automotive AI


New Platform Provides Business Efficiency and Peace of Mind During Time of Dealership Digital Transformation

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford dealers, Lincoln retailers and Ford Motor Company, announced today the launch of a new e-commerce platform for dealer solutions called The Shop. The Shop is a curated online shopping experience designed for dealers to meet the challenges of operating in the evolving retail automotive business landscape beyond the products and services that FordDirect already provides to dealers. The Shop, powered by FordDirect, will provide dealers with access to vetted vendors that include pre-negotiated prices for products and services that dealerships need. This will help dealers spend less time searching for vendors and negotiating rates and give them a seamless way to learn about offerings and enroll in new solutions for their stores.

The Shop will continue to add vendors that keep dealers ahead of the technological curve as well as offering dealership employees support and becoming a source to get everyday supplies at a lower cost. Modeled after the best online shopping experiences, The Shop will include the following vendors at launch:

Better Car People, a comprehensive business development center (BDC) engagement platform
ComplyAuto, a leading dealership compliance software platform for privacy, security, safety/HR, F&I and more
OfferLogix, a soft pull credit pre-qualification service
STELLA Automotive AI, One AI solution for a unified experience across all dealership channels
Velocity Automotive, Reconditioning Management Software, Automated Digital Vehicle Portfolios, or both
Volie, automotive call center software for BDCs
WarrCloud, a warranty processing technology platform
Work Truck Solutions, commercial truck and van digital marketing and inventory merchandising tools
"Because we already trust and rely on FordDirect for our digital needs that help us run our business, we look forward to The Shop becoming a place to find additional solutions outside of what's currently provided. FordDirect continues to provide innovation that makes a difference to our operation," said Brian Godfrey, President, Pat Milliken Ford and FordDirect Board Chair.

FordDirect recognizes that dealerships face an increasing demand for day-to-day resources, including meeting customer expectations, complying with regulations, managing employees, updating technology, and planning sales events. The Shop is designed to create more efficiencies and cost savings so that dealerships can focus on core activities.

"As every facet of the auto industry transforms through technology, dealers tell us they are more challenged than ever to stay current while meeting their business goals. We didn't just listen. We acted to provide a solution that meets their needs, explained Dean Stoneley, FordDirect CEO. "The Shop is now open to help Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers spend more time doing what they do best while also supporting FordDirect's mission as a trusted partner and resource to find the best vendors in the market for all of their needs."

About FordDirect

FordDirect, headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., connects the worlds of data, analytics, and technology to provide best-in-class digital marketing and advertising solutions exclusively for Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers. FordDirect is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its dealers with a mission of helping Ford and Lincoln dealerships sell more cars and trucks.

SOURCE FordDirect



STELLA joins FordDirect - The Shop as approved partner 

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FordDirect opens The Shop, a one-stop e-commerce platform for Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers

STELLA Provides Dealers with One AI Solution for a Unified Experience Across All Dealership Channels Transforming the Dealership Digital Landscape    

[Tampa, FL – January 23, 2024] – STELLA Automotive is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with FordDirect, and the launch of The Shop—an innovative e-commerce platform designed exclusively for Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers.  The partnership reflects a commitment to innovation at both companies, and brings a high-demand AI product as a new option to Ford dealers and Lincoln retailers.  

Rich Sands, CEO at STELLA Automotive AI, shared his enthusiasm: "Joining forces with FordDirect for The Shop’s launch is a game-changer. This platform perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, offering one AI solution for a unified experience across all dealership channels."

The Shop, powered by FordDirect, transforms the dealership experience with a curated online shopping platform. By granting access to FordDirect approved partners with pre-negotiated prices for essential products and services, The Shop offers solutions to dealers that streamline dealership operations, fostering efficiency and innovation. This initiative, designed for cost savings, allows dealerships to focus on their core activities and navigate the automotive retail landscape with increased effectiveness. 

Dean Stoneley, FordDirect CEO, highlights the platform's mission: "As the auto industry continues to evolve, The Shop is a trusted resource to meet dealers’ challenges. It provides a source to find the right vendors to meet their needs, allowing them to spend more time doing what they do best.”

STELLA Automotive is pleased to be part of this forward-thinking initiative, contributing to the promise of elevating efficiency and innovation within dealership retail operations. Join us in this transformative journey as we usher in a new era of automotive excellence.

For more information about STELLA Automotive AI, please visit https://www.stellaautomotive.com/

About STELLA Automotive AI

STELLA Automotive AI is the leading provider of intelligent conversational AI technology in the automotive industry. Through its groundbreaking AI solutions, STELLA empowers the automotive industry with a simple-to-deploy SaaS platform that integrates with dealerships and their service providers securely and privately to fully automate repetitive customer service tasks, to expedite and improve communication with customers, and to connect experts to those who need help. STELLA answered millions of phone calls and helped customers accomplish their goals quickly and easily. Using natural language STELLA is spearheading an AI revolution in automotive retail by addressing key challenges faced by OEMs, dealers, and customers alike.


About FordDirect
 
FordDirect, headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., connects the worlds of data, analytics, and technology to provide best-in-class digital marketing and advertising solutions exclusively for Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers. FordDirect is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its dealers with a mission of helping Ford and Lincoln dealerships sell more cars and trucks. Learn more at www.forddirect.com.  Learn more about The Shop at https://theshop.forddirect.com.

Media Contacts:
STELLA™ Automotive AI
Shelli Clark
shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com

FordDirect, The Shop
Courtney Douglas
cthorp11@forddirect.com 



STELLA Provides Dealers with One AI Solution for a Unified Experience Across All Dealership Channels Transforming the Dealership Digital Landscape    

STELLA Automotive AI Partners with FordDirect and the Launch of The Shop

[Tampa, FL - January 4, 2024] – Today, STELLA Automotive AI announced its new tagline ‘Everyone Wins’ which perfectly reflects the phenomenon happening at dealerships.  STELLA AI is not only transforming the customer experience but also streamlining the work experience for dealer staff.  

“The ‘Everyone Wins’ tagline embodies STELLA’s expanded relevance in the marketplace and sets the stage properly for 2024,” said Rich Sands, CEO.  “The expanding benefits of AI are exciting to define and deliver within our industry.  STELLA’s world-class AI platform enables seamless connections among Brands, Dealers, and Customers, resulting in significant time and cost savings, and an unparalleled guest experience.  

STELLA’s latest product release, Reception, incorporates features such as voice messaging, transfer to text, and alert-driven reporting ensuring a best-in-class customer experience within the industry.  Dealerships can finally view all conversations from a single interface, ensuring that customers are promptly and professionally assisted across the board.  

William Knowles, COO, Maroone USA, affirms, "At our dealer group, STELLA Automotive AI’s 'Everyone Wins' brand embodies our dedication to transforming the automotive landscape. It's about ensuring success for our dealership teams, our brands, and most importantly, our guests. STELLA aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional value as we redefine the way we do business."

In 2023, STELLA answered millions of phone calls and helped customers accomplish their goals quickly and easily using natural language.  ‘Everyone Wins’ sets the stage for STELLA’s next market-making moves impacting brands, dealers and customers in this fast moving vertical. 

For more information about STELLA Automotive AI and its new brand ‘Everyone Wins,’ please visit https://www.stellaautomotive.com/.

About STELLA Automotive AI:
STELLA Automotive AI is the leading provider of intelligent conversational AI technology in the automotive industry. Through its groundbreaking AI solutions, STELLA empowers the automotive industry with a simple-to-deploy SaaS platform that integrates with dealerships and their service providers securely and privately to fully automate repetitive customer service tasks, to expedite and improve communication with customers, and to connect experts to those who need help.  STELLA is spearheading an AI revolution in automotive retail by addressing key challenges faced by OEMs, dealers, and customers alike.


Media Contact:
Shelli Clark
shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com
(913) 485-2145


STELLA Automotive AI announced its new tagline ‘Everyone Wins’ which perfectly reflects the phenomenon happening at dealerships.

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STELLA Automotive AI Announces New Brand: 'Everyone Wins'  

Executive Spotlight featuring Rich Sands and host Brian Ankney. Tune in as they discuss how AI is changing the landscape of dealership operations. Highlights include; Why it's important for car dealerships to win over the phone. Where AI should be deployed and where it shouldn't and customer data safety. Watch to learn more!

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AutoSuccess Executive Spotlight

AutoSucess Executive Spotlight.mp4

**Tampa, FL, December 7, 2023** – STELLA Automotive AI, the leading provider of high-end conversational AI technology designed to revolutionize the customer experience for the automotive sector, today announces a data integration with Cox Automotive’s Xtime, the leading provider of end-to-end software solution that drives consumer loyalty and revenue for automotive dealers in each stage of the service process. This new read-write data integration will provide benefits for mutual dealer customers of both STELLA Automotive AI and Xtime.

STELLA Service Booking, an AI Digital Voice Assistant (DVA), promptly answers every inbound call on the first ring, 24/7, completely eliminating hold times.  This streamlined approach empowers customers to conveniently schedule appointments, reducing the booking process to under two minutes.  With this data integration, STELLA service bookings seamlessly integrate into the Xtime platform saving dealers from the task of re-keying information, ultimately saving the dealer time and reducing potential errors. 

Rich Sands, CEO of STELLA Automotive AI, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: "The integration with Xtime has been a remarkable journey, offering dealers transformative benefits.  Early adopters are thrilled with the integration reporting increased efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, and heightened profitability."

STELLA’s AI-powered digital voice assistant offers a front-end solution for the dealer, where STELLA speaks with customers and navigates them through common questions, checking the schedule, and making service lane bookings. STELLA effectively manages the majority of calls but can seamlessly transition customers to dealership staff, allowing for enhanced dealership operations, reducing costs, and improving customer service scores.

**About STELLA Automotive AI**

STELLA Automotive AI is a leader in providing high-end conversational AI technology to the automotive industry. With breakthrough AI solutions, STELLA enhances the automotive retail experience, benefiting dealer operations, customer satisfaction, and overall efficiency. The company's dedication to delivering game-changing technology tailored to the automotive sector sets it apart in the industry.

Media Contact:
Shelli Clark
Director, Marketing 
STELLA™ Automotive AI
E:  [shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com](Mailto:shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com)
C: (913) 485-2145



STELLA Automotive AI announces a data integration with Cox Automotive’s Xtime, the leading provider of end-to-end software solution that drives consumer loyalty and revenue for automotive dealers in each stage of the service process. 

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STELLA AI Announces Data Integration with Xtime Benefiting Dealer Customers

**Tampa, FL, December 5, 2023** - STELLA Automotive AI and UpdatePromise proudly announce a strategic integration set to reshape appointment scheduling and elevate customer service standards with the automotive dealership landscape.  This read-write integration aims to transform operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience.   

Rich Sands, CEO of STELLA Automotive AI, said:  "Combining our advanced conversational AI technology with UpdatePromise’s dynamic scheduling system empowers dealerships in delivering an unparalleled level of customer service and operational efficiency.  Dealers have been looking forward to this integration, and we have dealers already going live and experiencing the advantages of the STELLA integration."

Likewise, Brandon Nixon, Chief Revenue Officer at UpdatePromise, echoed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Our mission at UpdatePromise has always been to streamline and simplify processes for both our clients and their customers. Integrating STELLA AI's intelligent technology represents a significant leap towards achieving this mission."

This collaborative integration aims to revolutionize the appointment scheduling process, ensuring a smooth and streamlined experience for customers when booking appointments by phone.  With STELLA, customer calls are answered on the first ring, 24/7, eliminating wait times. Customers can easily schedule appointments, booking in under two minutes.  

Dealership customers benefit from the flexibility and convenience of appointment scheduling utilizing STELLA Service Booking, an AI Digital Voice Assistant (DVA).  Using AI technology, the system assesses multiple parameters such as shop capacity and appointment availability, leveraging customer inputs to optimize scheduling accuracy and efficiency. 

STELLA’s intelligent AI generates real-time appointments, capturing detailed information and seamlessly integrating it into the UpdatePromise scheduler.  This integration eliminates manual booking processes, boosting productivity and operational efficiency, and ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction by ensuring a seamless experience.

**About STELLA Automotive AI**
STELLA Automotive AI is a leader in providing high-end conversational AI technology to the automotive industry. With breakthrough AI solutions, STELLA enhances the automotive retail experience, benefiting dealer operations, customer satisfaction, and overall efficiency. The company's dedication to delivering game-changing technology tailored to the automotive sector sets it apart in the industry. 

**About UpdatePromise**
UpdatePromise is a leading provider of customer experience management solutions in the automotive industry. Recognized for its role in revolutionizing customer interactions, UpdatePromise simplifies complex processes and ensures the smooth running of operations in automotive dealerships. For more information, visit [www.updatepromise.com](https://www.updatepromise.com/).

**Media Contact:**
Shelli Clark
Director, Marketing 
STELLA™ Automotive AI
E:  [shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com](Mailto:shelli.clark@stellaautomotive.com)
C: (913) 485-2145




STELLA Automotive AI and UpdatePromise proudly announce a strategic integration set to reshape appointment scheduling and elevate customer service standards with the automotive dealership landscape.  

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