Tessa Nadik, AVP of Product Management at Cox Automotive, joins Jade Terreberry to clarify the real impact of AI in automotive retail. Tessa explains what AI is—and isn’t—for dealers, highlighting how it streamlines workflows, enhances consumer experiences, and accelerates shifts in buyer behavior. She shares practical advice on building a strong data foundation, evaluating AI tools for true ROI, and why starting now is key to gaining a competitive edge. Tessa also introduces a six-step roadmap for AI success and emphasizes that progress, not perfection, will drive results for dealers and OEMs in 2026.
Guest Expert:
Tessa Nadik
AVP of Product Management
Cox Automotive
Top Takeaways:
- AI is a tool for removing friction, not a magic wand. Tessa emphasizes that AI’s real value lies in streamlining workflows and enhancing consumer experiences, rather than replacing people or solving every problem instantly.
- Clean, structured data is essential for AI success. Dealers must prioritize accurate, consistent, and up-to-date data—especially inventory and business details—to unlock the full potential of AI-driven strategies.
- Consumer behavior is shifting, but marketplaces and dealer websites remain critical. While shoppers increasingly use AI-powered tools for research, most still rely on trusted marketplaces and dealer sites to complete their journeys.
- Evaluate AI solutions for real ROI and integration. Tessa advises dealers to focus on tools that solve genuine operational challenges, integrate smoothly into workflows, and get smarter with data—rather than chasing every new tech trend.
- Progress beats perfection—start now. The dealers and OEMs who begin building momentum with AI today will gain a competitive edge in 2026. Tessa’s advice: don’t wait for perfect, just get started and learn as you go.
Timestamps:
0:00 – 1:14 – Introduction
Jade Terreberry welcomes listeners, introduces Tessa Nadik, AVP of Product Management at Cox Automotive, and previews the discussion on AI’s role in automotive retail.
1:14 – 4:35 – What AI Is—and Isn’t
Tessa explains the fundamentals of AI, dispels common myths, and clarifies that AI is a tool for removing friction, not a replacement for people.
4:35 – 8:10 – Shifts in Consumer Behavior
The conversation explores how AI is accelerating changes in the car shopper journey, collapsing the research phase, and increasing the importance of digital touchpoints.
8:10 – 12:46 – Evaluating AI Tools and Measuring Success
Tessa shares practical advice for dealers on how to assess AI solutions, prioritize real ROI, and focus on metrics like time saved and visibility rather than vanity metrics.
12:46 – 16:58 – The Six-Step Roadmap for AI Success
Jade and Tessa discuss the critical first steps for dealers, including cleaning up data foundations and identifying operational challenges, and why now is the window of opportunity for early advantage.
16:58 – 20:17 – Optimizing for Visibility and Authority
Tessa offers actionable tips for dealers to improve their digital presence, leverage structured data, and ensure consistency across platforms for better AI-driven results.
20:17 – 21:50 – Final Advice: Progress Over Perfection
Tessa encourages dealers to start building momentum with AI now, focus on solving real problems, and partner with experts to drive results in 2026.
21:50 – 23:28 – Closing Thoughts
Jade wraps up the episode, thanks Tessa, and invites listeners to subscribe for future insights and industry updates.
