Lotlinx’s Len Short says artificial intelligence and machine learning have quickly become critical elements of a successful inventory management strategy, helping dealers order the right vehicles at the right time and avoid overstocking units that don’t sell.

In an exclusive to DealerELITE, Short says internal data suggests only about 10% of U.S. dealers have yet to adopt some form of the technology, presumably relying on intuition and sales data to stock their lots.

“This shift toward AI-driven decision-making is not just about improving operational efficiency; it is reshaping the entire dealership model, reducing waste, increasing profitability and enhancing customer satisfaction,” Short writes. “As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the adoption of AI in inventory management is no longer a luxury but a necessity for dealers who want to remain competitive.”

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