U.S. Automotive Dealers will benefit from Canada’s growing tech status

automotive AI

The term “AI” is definitely making waves in America. As a member of the executive team for an Automotive AI technology leader, I can barely check my inbox without running into a new AI-related discussion with my peers.

In these discussions, I’m excited to see that much of our industry’s new machine learning technology is actually coming from our neighbors to the north (LotLinx included). Canada is a country that has demonstrated a real governmental willingness to nurture technological advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, and continues to make deep investments in dynamic new technologies as we move toward a fourth industrial revolution.

Earlier this year the Canadian government signed a $125 million deal to fund an artificial intelligence investment strategy for the country, in hopes of saving Canadian jobs from automation – recognizing AI to be a “platform technology that cuts across many areas of innovation today.”

Additionally, Canada’s startup culture is blossoming – and many are taking notice. Take, for instance, TechCrunch, a leading technology media property, which recently called to attention to Winnipeg as a unique and flourishing tech hub.

One of the biggest champions of AI, and particularly Automotive AI, is the Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI), which was established in Winnipeg with a mission to advance the cause of AI technologies that are having a significant impact on local businesses and creating exciting new opportunities in a quick-moving space.

One of EMILI’s main goals is to help proliferate Canada’s global machine learning leadership through advanced research and commercialization to serve as a global voice for its ethical standards. And LotLinx is proud to be involved as a sponsor and participant. The organization was established by Winnipeg’s mayor (along with a few other AI executives) with the goal of educating, encouraging and promoting entrepreneurship.

EMILI’s pan-Canadian effort will capitalize on Canada’s strength in AI and machine learning, and bring experts together to share skills and offer capital to accelerate and expand Canada’s technology sector. While most of the growth in AI so far has come from agriculture and manufacturing, other sectors like the automotive space are slowly beginning to adopt new technologies.

That’s why the team at LotLinx is working hard to lead the way for all North American dealership digital marketers by developing the industry’s #1 Automotive AI — and expanding our technology services to select Canadian markets starting December 1st, 2017.

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SVP Client Relationships, LotLinx John has more than 19 years of automotive retail experience, including serving as the Senior Vice President of Dealer Relations for FordDirect. During his tenure at FordDirect, John was responsible for full P&L of this $400M joint venture with Ford Motor Company and its dealer partners. Prior to leading FordDirect, John served for more than seven years at McCrackin Ford in Pittsburgh, helping the dealership earn Top 20 rankings for multiple years within the region. In addition to his OEM and dealer retail background, John played a key role in the development of AutoNationDirect.com, where he was instrumental in establishing the sales and finance process for AutoNation’s online auto buying service.