NADA 2026 may have wrapped, but the ideas, insights, and strategies shared on the showroom floor will continue shaping the automotive industry well into 2026. This year, one theme was clear: while technology and AI are transforming marketing and sales, the service department can’t be left behind. Dealerships that connect service, sales, and marketing through a unified platform are the ones poised to thrive.

Service Marketing: A Forgotten Growth Opportunity

As dealerships adopt advanced tools, it’s easy for the service department to get overlooked. Yet, service remains one of the most powerful levers for revenue growth and customer retention. At NADA 2026, PureCars highlighted how AI, when integrated into a unified platform, can empower service teams rather than isolate them:

• Connected Customer Data: Unifying first-party data across sales, service, and marketing gives dealerships a complete view of each customer. This ensures service messages are as precise and personalized as sales outreach.
• Automated, Actionable Workflows: AI-driven CDP workflows allow service departments to reach customers at the right time—whether for a first oil change, a lease renewal, or a past-due service appointment.
• Revenue and Retention Growth: By aligning messaging, data, and execution, service teams can increase repair orders, reduce wasted ad spend, and boost long-term loyalty.

AI: A Tool, Not a Standalone Solution

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate industry headlines, but at NADA 2026, the focus was clear: AI is only as effective as the platform it lives in. Integrated AI allows dealerships to:

• Identify high-value audiences and predict intent across sales and service
• Streamline communications through email, SMS, and digital ads
• Make data-driven decisions in real time, turning insights into measurable action

AI doesn’t replace teams—it enhances every department when connected to a unified system that ties data, campaigns, and customer touchpoints together.

The Case for a Unified Platform

Across the week, the message was consistent: dealerships that unify their technology and data see the greatest results. A single platform allows teams to:

• Break down silos between sales, service, and marketing
• Execute campaigns quickly and consistently across channels
• Measure success in real time and optimize on the fly
• Scale strategies without adding operational complexity

Service, sales, and marketing working together through a connected platform creates a more complete customer experience, smarter campaigns, and stronger business outcomes.

Looking Ahead

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NADA 2026 showed that the future isn’t just about adopting new tools—it’s about integrating them thoughtfully to drive real results. Dealerships leveraging AI as part of a unified platform can unlock the full potential of their service and marketing efforts, delivering personalized experiences that strengthen loyalty and grow revenue across every touchpoint.

To learn how a unified platform powered by AI can transform your dealership’s service and marketing strategy, contact PureCars today.