Guest Expert: Derek White, Founding Member & Chair of C.O.R.A. (Council of Responsible AI), joins Jade Terreberry to explore what responsible AI adoption looks like for automotive dealers today. Derek breaks down the importance of ethical guardrails, unified data practices, and accountability as AI becomes embedded across marketing, CRM, and inventory workflows. He also shares what dealers should be watching for—from conversational AI to emerging risks like shadow AI—and why the right governance and partners will be critical to long‑term success.
Guest Expert:
Derek White
Founding Member & Chair
C.O.R.A.
Top Takeaways:
- Responsible AI needs clear guardrails—not guesswork. As AI adoption accelerates across the automotive industry, Derek emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks, accountability, and shared standards to ensure AI is used responsibly by dealers, manufacturers, and partners.
- Unified data practices are foundational to AI success. Without clean, governed, and centralized data, AI tools can introduce risk—especially around PII and compliance. Derek stresses that dealers must establish core processes and policies before scaling AI across their operations.
- Shadow AI and fraud are real risks dealers must address. From employees using personal AI tools to bad actors posing as customers, Derek warns that unmanaged AI usage can create serious vulnerabilities—making fraud prevention and data protection critical first steps.
- AI is reshaping how dealers engage shoppers and manage operations. Conversational AI, large language models, and real‑time data are now enabling end‑to‑end customer journeys—from engagement to appointment setting—driving efficiency across CRM, inventory, and marketing workflows.
- The dealers who ease in thoughtfully will win long‑term. Rather than chasing every shiny new tool, Derek advises dealers to start small, invest in training, choose the right partners, and build a culture of responsible AI adoption to stay competitive as AI becomes table stakes.
Timestamps:
0:00 – 1:07 – Introduction
Jade Terreberry opens the episode, recorded live from NADA 2026, and welcomes Derek White, Founding Member & Chair of C.O.R.A., setting the stage for a conversation centered on AI and the industry’s responsibility to use it wisely.
1:07 – 2:30 – What Is C.O.R.A. and Why It Matters
Derek explains the mission of the Council of Responsible AI, outlining its role in establishing ethical guidelines, best practices, and guardrails to help dealers and partners adopt AI responsibly.
2:30 – 3:50 – Accountability, Ethics, and Data Governance
The conversation turns to accountability in AI usage, with Derek emphasizing unified data processes, PII protection, and the importance of clear internal policies before scaling AI across a dealership.
3:50 – 5:25 – AI Trends Dealers Should Be Watching
Derek shares what’s dominating conversations on the show floor, including conversational AI, large language models, generative engine optimization, and the growing need for fraud and identity protection.
5:25 – 6:54 – Avoiding Shadow AI and Operational Risk
Derek discusses the risks of unmanaged AI usage—such as employees using personal AI tools—and why training, culture, and governance are critical to avoiding costly missteps.
6:54 – 7:38 – How Leading Dealers Are Approaching AI
Insights into what forward‑thinking dealers are doing differently, from establishing core processes to investing in education and change management to support long‑term AI adoption.
7:38 – 8:21 – Derek’s Advice for Dealers Looking Ahead
Derek offers guidance for dealers entering 2026, encouraging them to ease into AI thoughtfully, protect customer data, and leverage AI to improve inventory, CRM, and fraud prevention.
8:21 – 10:34 – AI as a Connected Ecosystem
Jade and Derek discuss how AI is increasingly embedded across tools and platforms, enabling end‑to‑end customer journeys and more efficient dealership operations.
10:34 – 11:08 – Closing Thoughts
Jade wraps up the episode with final reflections on responsible AI adoption and thanks Derek for joining, reinforcing the importance of education, partnership, and thoughtful execution as AI becomes table stakes.
