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The car dealership industry is changing fast, and the right software can mean the difference between smooth operations and missed opportunities. In 2025, Kenect stands out as a leader in dealership communication and automation, while other platforms continue to innovate in areas like CRM, service, and customer management.
What Makes the Best Car Dealer Software?
The best car dealer software simplifies day-to-day operations while connecting sales, service, and management teams. As digital transformation accelerates, tools that integrate AI, automation, and real-time data are now critical for dealership success.
Recent market research highlights this trend. The global auto dealer software market reached $17.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 7.7% CAGR through 2033. Another forecast predicts the market could exceed $40 billion by 2034.
Today’s most effective solutions integrate messaging, CRM, inventory management, and marketing automation in one unified platform. Increasingly, dealerships are turning to AI-powered systems to automate customer outreach, personalize communication, and deliver faster service experiences.
Below are eight of the best car dealer software platforms for 2025 — each helping dealerships increase efficiency, boost customer satisfaction, and stay competitive in an evolving automotive landscape.
1. Kenect
Kenect leads the industry as the best car dealer software for communication and automation. Built specifically for dealerships, it combines text messaging, payments, a digital receptionist, and AI-powered chatbots into one platform.
Dealerships use Kenect to send service updates, confirm appointments, and collect payments securely through text. Its AI communication tools help service teams instantly respond to inbound messages, reducing missed calls and improving customer response times.
Kenect’s strength lies in balancing automation with personal interaction, saving time without sacrificing customer experience. It also enables proactive customer outreach through automated campaigns—helping dealerships drive more revenue while keeping service teams focused on what matters most.
Learn more about Kenect’s Conversational AI and Customer Engagement AI solutions.
2. CDK Global
CDK Global remains a trusted name in automotive software, offering a comprehensive dealership management system (DMS). Its platform covers accounting, payroll, inventory, and sales operations, making it a strong option for large or multi-location dealerships.
CDK’s focus on data integration and reporting provides management teams with detailed performance insights across departments. While it’s a complex system, its scalability and depth make it a long-standing choice for enterprise dealerships.
3. Dealertrack DMS
Owned by Cox Automotive, Dealertrack DMS is known for flexibility and data accessibility. It includes strong accounting, inventory, and compliance features, along with integrations for digital retailing and workflow automation.
Dealertrack’s open-integration design helps dealerships avoid data silos, ensuring information flows easily between systems. Its focus on user-friendly reporting makes it especially valuable for management teams seeking real-time visibility.
4. Databox XRM
Databox XRM offers advanced CRM and lead-management capabilities tailored to automotive operations. It consolidates customer data into actionable insights, helping dealerships track performance and improve lead conversion.
With its real-time dashboards, Databox XRM gives managers an instant view of team productivity and sales trends. Its analytics-first approach makes it a great fit for dealerships that prioritize data-driven decisions.
5. DealerCenter
DealerCenter is a comprehensive, cloud-based dealership management platform with inventory, CRM, accounting, and desking tools in one system. It’s widely used by small and independent dealerships for its affordability and ease of use.
DealerCenter integrates with lenders and marketing tools to streamline financing and lead generation. For smaller operations seeking an all-in-one system, it provides strong functionality at a lower cost.
6. Tekion
Tekion brings a modern, cloud-native approach to dealership management. Its Automotive Retail Cloud platform integrates automation, analytics, and collaboration tools to simplify workflows and reduce operational friction.
Tekion’s intuitive interface and scalable design make it a strong option for dealers looking to modernize legacy systems. Its focus on data transparency and efficiency appeals to dealerships investing in long-term digital transformation.
7. VinSolutions Connect CRM
Part of Cox Automotive’s suite, VinSolutions Connect CRM gives dealerships a unified view of each customer’s journey. It tracks interactions across digital and in-store touchpoints, enabling more personalized and effective outreach.
The system’s integration with Dealer.com and Kelley Blue Book provides added value through shared data and marketing visibility. For dealerships aiming to enhance customer retention and marketing alignment, VinSolutions is a proven choice.
8. Podium
Podium specializes in customer communication and reputation management. Its platform enables dealerships to collect reviews, text customers, and manage online engagement — all from one dashboard.
While it’s not a full DMS, Podium’s tools help dealerships strengthen online presence and customer trust. It pairs well with other systems to improve responsiveness and customer satisfaction.
The Road Ahead for Dealership Software
The automotive industry continues to digitize rapidly, and AI for dealerships is at the center of that shift. From intelligent chatbots to automated lead nurturing, AI-driven solutions are helping teams save time and deliver better experiences.
The auto dealer software market is expected to grow nearly 8% annually through 2034. For dealerships, that means more powerful tools, greater data connectivity, and stronger opportunities to engage customers through automation.
Among these leading platforms, Kenect stands out for its communication-first approach — helping dealerships manage conversations, automate tasks, and build stronger customer relationships without adding complexity.
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