Car Dealerships: How an AI BDC Re-engages Leads and Books Test Drives

A shopper submits a lead on a used SUV at 9:30 p.m.

They also submitted leads to two other dealers with similar vehicles.

The dealership that confirms availability, answers the trade-in question and offers a test drive time first usually gets the visit. The others get a "already bought, thanks" two days later.

Where dealership leads leak

After-hours leads waiting until morning. Generic auto-responses that answer nothing. Inconsistent follow-up: the first call happens; the fifth never does. Old leads in the CRM that nobody reactivates when new inventory arrives. Service-to-sales opportunities that are never offered.

What an AI BDC does

Responds in seconds, 24/7, by text and email, to opted-in leads from your website, third-party listing sites and ads. Confirms the vehicle and suggests alternatives from live inventory when integrated. Qualifies: timeline, trade-in, financing interest. Books appointments on the sales calendar. Follows up with a cadence your managers approve. Reactivates old leads when matching inventory arrives. Hands off hot leads to a salesperson with a full summary.

It never quotes final prices or financing terms your managers have not approved, and outbound calls and texts follow TCPA consent rules.

What the US market charges

Agencies building multi-agent voice and chat systems typically charge $5,000 to $25,000 to set up and $1,000 to $3,000 a month, according to Ciela's 2026 guide. Outsourced SDR-style programs start at $2,500 to $5,000 a month (Revnew).

The Ímpetus offer

Setup: $7,500

Lead source mapping, CRM and inventory integration when feasible, scripts approved by your sales managers, appointment rules, testing and training.

Operation: $990 a month

Monitoring, script updates, reactivation campaigns, weekly appointment and show-rate reports, and support.

About half of the typical range. Messaging, phone and AI usage are billed by volume.

Why spots are limited

We avoid serving competing dealers of the same brand in the same market.

Frequently asked questions

Does it integrate with my CRM and DMS?+

It depends on the integrations available for systems like VinSolutions, DealerSocket or Elead. We confirm during mapping.

Will it replace my BDC team?+

It handles first response and routine follow-up so your people focus on hot leads and appointments.

Can it handle service appointments too?+

Yes, as an additional flow.

How long does setup take?+

Usually four to six weeks.

What does it cost to keep losing leads overnight?

Look at your lead-to-appointment rate and your average gross per unit. A few additional appointments per month usually cover the investment.