The initiative follows a successful pilot program involving 700 dealers earlier this year. According to Derek Hansen, Cox Automotive’s senior vice president of inventory management, the platform serves as a feedback loop intended to ensure new capabilities address specific operational challenges rather than theoretical ones.
vAuto Opens In-App Innovation Lab for Dealer Feedback
Dealers now have a direct line to influence software development through vAuto Test Drive, a new self-service portal launched by the Cox Automotive brand. By allowing users to preview and vet emerging tools before they hit the market, the company aims to align its product roadmap with actual dealership workflows.
Two features already refined through this process include the Common Problems tool, which uses AI to scan public forums for recurring mechanical issues in specific vehicle models, and the Vehicle Journey feature, which aggregates service history data directly into the appraisal workflow. These additions are designed to help dealers streamline vehicle acquisitions in an inventory-constrained market. The company is currently using the environment to test further advancements, including an AI-powered assistant and automated inventory description tools, to automate routine merchandising tasks before a full-scale release.
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