A South Korean software company is pushing AI-powered kiosks that could eventually replace human sales representatives at your local dealership.While industry experts speaking to Automotive News have expressed skepticism, noting that businesses are often hesitant to embrace change, it likewise suggested the next vehicle you purchase may indeed be bought from artificial intelligence.The company is called Epikar and the system has been dubbed the “Pikar Genie.” Customers can walk up to the screen, browse the vehicles they’re interested in, and even speak with the AI to get additional information. Epikar is basically trying to replicate a humanoid sales representative using software and internet connectivity.Pikar Genie can allegedly handle inventory management across multiple dealerships and even help schedule test drives. However, it does seem like buyers will still need to finalize everything with a living, breathing finance person while they oversee the final steps (and document signing) before anyone is handed the keys.According to the report, numerous brands are already using the kiosks to a limited degree in South Korea. In most cases, Epikar noted that their staffing needs were effectively halved. It also wants to see the business expand into Europe and the United States — with reducing overhead being the primary …
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Author: Matt Posky
