UCDP Ep #77 – AI in Dealerships & EV Retail Innovation w/ Ross Tinkham & Alex Lawrence

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach Klempf is joined by Ross Tinkham, Go-To-Market Leader at Podium, and Alex Lawrence, CEO of EV Auto, a leading EV-only independent dealership and Podium customer.

Fresh off the buzz of post-NIADA conversations around AI, Zach explores how artificial intelligence is transforming communication, sales, and service in the independent dealer space. Ross shares how Podium’s AI-driven BDC solutions are enhancing lead engagement and operational efficiency, while Alex gives a boots-on-the-ground perspective from running a fast-growing used EV dealership—and how his team uses AI to handle everything from acquisition to service.

Whether you're skeptical about AI or looking to take your dealership to the next level, this episode dives deep into the future of customer engagement, digital retail, and EV-specific dealership strategy.

For More about Podium Visit - https://www.podium.com/industry/used-auto?utm_medium=third_party_-_podcast&utm_source=used_car_dealer_podcast&utm_campaign=25q3-noram-car_dealership-third_party_media-ucdp_w/_alex_lawrence-july&utm_term=prospecting&SCID=701UL00000PfzM6YAJ 

🕒 Timestamps & Topics

00:00 – Intro: AI buzz after NIADA & Guest Intros
 00:58 – Q: Ross, what’s your journey into auto tech, and what’s your role at Podium?
 01:45 – Q: Alex, what inspired your journey from academia to founding a used EV dealership?
 03:26 – Q: How did EV Auto and Podium start working together? What need did it solve?
 05:06 – Q: Alex, what are the main ways Podium supports your dealership’s sales and ops?
 06:59 – Q: Ross, how does Podium’s AI BDC integrate with a dealer’s CRM and comms stack?
 08:46 – Q: Alex, what workflow changes did you make when implementing AI at EV Auto?
 12:48 – Q: Ross, how does Podium’s AI keep communication human and personalized?
 14:10 – Q: What consumer expectations has AI helped dealerships meet in the digital retail era?
 15:42 – Q: Alex, why don’t you use DR tools—and how do EV buyers differ from traditional customers?
 18:08 – Q: What are the biggest challenges you faced launching a used EV-only dealership?
 20:47 – Q: Ross, what new Podium innovations are coming, especially for service departments?
 22:55 – Q: Alex, what’s next for EV Auto in 2025? Any new locations or offerings?
 24:20 – Q: What’s different about servicing EVs compared to traditional vehicles?
 26:48 – Q: How do you both envision AI transforming auto retail in the next few years?

Rapid Fire Round
 31:39 – Q: Favorite EV model currently on the market?
 33:02 – Q: One word or phrase to describe the future of automotive retail?
 34:03 – Q: Most exciting tech trend you're following right now?

🎧 Listen to more episodes: sellyautomotive.com/podcast
📄 Read the full transcription: blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/podium-evauto-ai-ev-innovation