EV Momentum, AI Innovation, and Retail Reality
This spring, Maritz’s Automotive Solutions brought together two of its key advisory groups—the Transportation Electrification Board (TEB) and the Dealer Advisory Board (DAB)—to gain fresh perspective on the forces reshaping the automotive industry. From the evolving electric vehicle (EV) market to the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in dealerships, these discussions reinforced the importance of staying grounded in real-world insight while preparing for what’s next.
Transportation Electrification Board: Navigating a Changing EV Landscape
In April, the Maritz Automotive Solutions Transportation Electrification Board met to discuss the rapidly changing EV market, OEM and dealership strategies, consumer demand, charging infrastructure challenges and how subsidies and rebates continue to impact buying decisions and the total cost of ownership. The board members bring expertise from a variety of backgrounds, including automotive manufacturing, retail, environmental lobbying, technology, energy management, and venture capital.
Maritz runs this board as part of our commitment to better understanding the factors influencing the EV segment so we can help our clients meet their business goals. The board meeting was held in advance of our Future of Automotive Retail (FAR) conference, which included executive leaders from multiple OEMs, dealers, and industry experts. The conference theme this year was “AI Driven. People Focused”.
Dealer Advisory Board: AI in the Real World of Retail
The Maritz Automotive Solutions Dealer Advisory Board recently met to talk about how AI is contributing to the way dealerships run their businesses, improve customer engagement, create better experiences, find greater efficiencies, increase profitability and, most importantly, sell more vehicles, parts, and service.
The DAB meets throughout the year and is made up of some of the highest performing and innovative groups across the country, representing almost every brand sold in the U.S. market.
As an Automotive Retail Performance Agency, we understand that staying close to dealers and having an ongoing conversation gives us a perspective that is based in reality and ultimately helps us deliver greater value to our clients.
Aligned with the Future of Automotive Retail
Both advisory board meetings were held in advance of Maritz’s Future of Automotive Retail (FAR) conference, which brought together executive leaders from OEMs, dealerships, and across the industry. The 2026 conference theme was “AI Driven. People Focused.” and it echoed throughout the board conversations, reinforcing the idea that technology is most powerful when it supports people, not replaces them.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The Spring TEB and DAB discussions highlighted a clear reality: success in today’s automotive landscape requires balancing innovation with practicality. Electrification and AI continue to reshape the industry, but progress depends on understanding market realities, listening to dealers and consumers, and making informed, human-centered decisions.
Through its advisory boards, Maritz’s Automotive Solutions continues to deliver insights that help clients navigate complexity, adapt to change, and achieve their business goals. Learn more about our OEM, dealer, and utility programs.
