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AIMedia (www.aimyes.com), a leader in data-driven marketing solutions, today announced the launch of DeepSignal™, a new predictive AI-powered marketing product designed specifically for automotive dealers to identify and engage consumers most likely to purchase. DeepSignal uses advanced predictive AI to analyze consumer behaviors and buying journeys, identifying new shoppers whose actions closely align with those of past buyers. By focusing on signals near the point of purchase, the platform enables dealers to prioritize high-intent consumers earlier, driving stronger engagement, higher closing rates, and incremental sales opportunities. Unlike traditional audience targeting approaches that rely heavily on demographics or broad interest signals, DeepSignal focuses on behavioral patterns across the automotive buying funnel. This allows dealers to reach consumers who are actively progressing toward a purchase decision, rather than those who are merely browsing or researching. To activate these insights at scale, DeepSignal leverages Connected TV (CTV) and Online Video (OLV) channels to drive awareness and influence among high-propensity shoppers. By combining predictive intelligence with premium video environments, the platform helps dealers reach the right consumers at the right time with greater efficiency and impact. “DeepSignal represents a meaningful step forward in how automotive dealers can use AI to drive real business outcomes,” said David McGarry, EVP of Digital, at AIMedia. “Instead of casting a wide net, dealers can now focus their marketing investments on consumers who look and behave like buyers—resulting in better performance and stronger ROI.” DeepSignal is now available to automotive dealers and dealer groups nationwide and integrates seamlessly into existing media strategies, providing actionable insights without requiring deep technical expertise. For more information about DeepSignal, visit www.aimyes.com.

There are many important elements to running a successful business (dealership). People, process and product, also known as the three P’s, can provide a cornerstone for almost every business. However, most businesses and all dealerships rely on outside variables to help pave their way to success. One such variable are the vendors dealerships choose to bring on as partners. In the retail automotive industry, dealerships rely on vendors to provide goods and services such as sales training, software products, F&I services and consultation, advertising, banking and finance and many other important business solutions. What’s important for dealerships to reach their maximum potential is to work with the best partners available. In the book Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others the author Jim Collins’ first chapter is titled Good is the Enemy of Great. Collins explains that the vast majority of companies never become great, precisely because the vast majority become quite good—and that is their main problem. Dealerships may suffer a similar problem, they are performing “good enough” and not looking to become great. In Collin’s earlier book, Built to Last he explains that a visionary company has a relentless drive for progress, to explore new places, create new things and achieve new goals. It must be able to change and adapt and if it refuses it will simply cease to exist. Many dealerships refuse to change. Diffusion of innovations is a theory that seeks to explain how, why and at what rate new ideas and technology spread. Everett Rogers popularized this theory in his book Diffusion of Innovators. The categories of adopters are innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. Without getting into all the details of each category of adopters, dealerships traditionally face more complex adoption possibilities because their organizations are both the aggregate of dealership employees that are less open to change and its current system with a set of policies and procedures. This reality causes most dealerships to stick with the status quo. Business books theories aside, dealerships that excel in today’s competitive landscape have a track record of leveraging the best products and surrounding themselves with the best of the best. When you think of great product relationships here are a few examples: Professional sports: Nike PGA of America: Rolex Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes Benz Amazon Web Services: Salesforce.com Netflix: Amazon Web Services Caterpillar: Michelin Tires McDonalds: Coke United Airlines: Boeing HP Computers: Intel Domino’s Pizza: Tyson Foods When dealerships partner it’s important they do the research and partner with the best of the best. The qualities dealerships should consider when choosing a vendor partnership: Results While you think producing great results is a “given” when dealerships choose their vendors, it’s not. Many OEMs pressure their dealers to work with an “OEM Certified” partner. Many dealers just accept their OEM has their best interest in mind when compiling these companies. But like everything else, these “approved” companies may have made this list for various other reasons (political, financial kickbacks, etc.). The main question a dealership should ask is, “Is the vendor you choose for the service you need the best in their field?” Where applicable, ask to see samples of the vendor’s previous work or the results they generated for other dealerships. For instance, if you are hiring a digital marketing company, ask to see a dealership’s Google Analytics for the results they delivered. Always remember the reason you’re bringing in a vendor. Typically, it’s more than just needing another set of hands, it’s about the expertise and results that they will bring to your dealership. Results matter! Cost effective While cost plays a significant role in choosing a vendor, it is much more complex than simply picking the lowest price; however, you want to get the maximum value for the price you pay. The criteria are most commonly about quality, delivery performance, cost, capability, but the price is usually not the primary factor. Costs a dealership should consider when selecting a vendor include the cost of the service or product, cost savings to the bottom line, time savings, labor savings, the cost of not trusting the vendor and losing sleep over it, the cost of partnering with a company with a bad reputation. Character The potentially most important factor I believe dealerships should consider when choosing a vendor is the character, not only of the company they are partnering but of their leaders. Your dealership’s integrity depends on the integrity of the vendors you use. Try to learn a little bit about your vendors and how much importance they put on operating with high ethical standards. Be careful of potential partners that over promise. No one can give you everything under the sun. Make sure you feel like you’re being told exactly what they can -- and can’t -- provide and that they’re adequately and truthfully representing their skills. Companies that are honest about their capabilities and potential shortcomings are ultimately a better fit than those that promise you the moon but cannot deliver. Customer Service Companies with a reputation for exemplary customer service will more than likely take good care of you. Since a vendor is an integral part of your business, you must be able to depend on them to do what they say they will do. You don’t want to let your team down because your vendor let you down. Do they deliver products on time? Do they make excuses when things go wrong? A vendor that gets it right every time is a valuable asset to your company. Communication Open and frequent vendor communication is a valuable asset for your dealership. Make sure your vendor will always respond to you within 24 hours. Working with the same person every time you contact the company can improve communication on both sides. A good vendor is willing to contact you right away when anything goes wrong and will give you frequent updates throughout the fulfillment process. Be careful of vendors that tend to over-promise or that