Many dealerships run both a CRM and a Dealer Management System (DMS).

But surprisingly, many dealers are still unclear about what each system actually does.

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona explains the real difference between CRM and DMS systems, how they overlap, and why poor integration between the two can create duplicate work, data problems and operational friction.

If you're reviewing your dealership systems, this episode will help you understand how CRM and DMS should work together.

In this episode we cover:

• What a CRM actually does in a dealership
• What a DMS is responsible for
• Where CRM and DMS systems overlap
• Integrated CRM vs standalone CRM
• The biggest mistakes dealers make with their systems

The key question every dealership should ask is simple:

Where is the single source of truth for your dealership data?

Dealer Tech Talk is the podcast where we break down how technology really works inside car and motorhome dealerships.

No jargon. No sales fluff. Just practical insights.

Sponsored by:

DMS Navigator
Helping dealerships run more efficiently and profitably.

Miles Companion
The customer app that keeps buyers connected long after the sale.

Listen to more episodes
https://www.dealertechtalk.uk

Voice AI used to feel experimental.

Clunky. Robotic. Not quite ready for real customers.

That’s changed.

In this episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona explores how voice AI has crossed a threshold — moving from novelty technology to something that can deliver measurable operational benefits in dealerships today.

We cut through the hype and focus on reality:

What voice AI actually is
Where it works well today
Where it doesn’t
Why integration with your DMS is critical
How it reduces missed calls and staff interruptions
What happens when AI is deployed into broken processes
Where outbound AI calling is heading next

Voice AI is not about replacing people.
It’s about handling repeatable, structured conversations so your team can focus on higher-value interactions.

If you’re running a dealership and haven’t yet thought seriously about voice AI, this episode explains why now is the time.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts
📥 Download the free guide at https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

Dealer Tech Talk is sponsored by DMS Navigator and MyAutoCompanion.

Is investing in a new DMS really worth it — or is it just another cost dealerships are forced to accept?

In this solo episode of Dealer Tech Talk, Simon Verona tackles one of the most common (and quietly asked) questions in the motor trade: what is the real ROI of a dealer management system?

Rather than focusing on software features or price, Simon breaks down where DMS value actually comes from — efficiency, consistency, scalability, and better use of people’s time — and why the mindset dealers have towards their DMS often determines whether they see a return at all.

In this episode, we cover:

Why a DMS doesn’t directly “sell” — and why that misses the point

How efficiency and process drive real profitability

The biggest mistakes dealers make when implementing a DMS

Why poor integration creates wasted time and hidden costs

How better data visibility improves decision-making

Why changing a DMS alone won’t fix broken business processes

What high-performing dealers do differently to achieve 5x–10x ROI

■ If you’re a Dealer Principal, Manager, or Business Owner considering a DMS change — or wondering if you’re getting enough value from your current system — this episode will help you rethink how ROI is really created.

■ Download the guide that accompanies this episode:
https://www.dealertechtalk.uk/guides

■ Sponsors

DMS Navigator — the Dealer Management System that boosts efficiency, improves customer service, and helps dealers grow profits.
https://www.dmsnavigator.com/

MyAutoCompanion — the customer app that keeps buyers connected, increases retention, and grows lifetime dealer revenue.
https://www.myautocompanion.com/