The ethics of imagery - delivering authenticity in an AI‑driven automotive world

As AI reshapes automotive retail, dealerships now have access to powerful tools that can transform vehicle imagery in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. But as technology advances, an important question remains: how far should we go in pursuit of the perfect image?

In this article, CitNOW Group’s Imaging Strategy Director, Chris Gray, explores the growing role of AI in automotive imaging, the balance between innovation and authenticity, and why trust remains the most valuable asset in the customer journey. He also introduces CitNOW Environments, a new approach designed to enhance vehicle presentation while preserving the authenticity car buyers expect.

Read on to discover why the future of automotive imagery isn’t about creating artificial perfection, but delivering authentic experiences that inspire confidence.

Read the full article: Bye bye backfrops, hello ethical imaging

Alternatively join us at our upcoming webinar on 7th October to hear directly from Chris Gray as he discusses the topic with industry experts: The ethics of imagery webinar

Why ‘Claudeforce’ should have every Automotive Retailer excited

The recent announcement from Salesforce and Anthropic has generated significant interest across the technology sector, but its implications for automotive retail could be particularly transformative. In this article, Anthony Kay, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, examines why the convergence of CRM, connected data and AI represents far more than just another development of technology. Instead, it signals a shift towards dealerships accessing deeper insights, enabling them to make faster decisions and create customer experiences that are seamless across every stage of the vehicle ownership journey.

The article explores how AI is becoming increasingly powerful when combined with a trusted layer of customer and vehicle data. Rather than having to rely on disparate systems and fragmented data, retailers can create a single, trusted view of their customers, vehicles and interactions, enabling teams across marketing, sales and aftersales leading to efficiency, faster opportunity identification and more personalised, relevant experiences for customers that build loyalty and long-term relationships.

Read the full article: Why ‘Claudeforce’ should have every Automotive Retailer excited

Why 43% of aftersales revenue goes elsewhere

New research from CitNOW Group reveals where aftersales revenue is being won and lost.

Aftersales remains one of the biggest opportunities for franchised dealers to increase customer lifetime value, strengthen retention and drive revenue growth. However, our latest research suggests a significant proportion of servicing work is still being captured elsewhere.

Independent consumer research commissioned by CitNOW Group and conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 UK car owners reveals that while 26% of drivers primarily use a franchised dealer for servicing, independent workshops account for 43% of aftersales activity.

The findings highlight a clear opportunity for dealers to retain more customers, particularly once manufacturer warranties expire. The study also uncovers the key factors influencing customer switching behaviour, including price transparency, convenience, appointment availability and trust.

As customer expectations continue to rise, particularly among younger, digitally-focused car owners, the research explores how dealers can strengthen loyalty, improve workshop utilisation and create a more seamless aftersales experience.

In the full article, we explore:

• Why customers move away from franchised servicing
• The significant retention opportunity in the post-warranty market
• The growing importance of digital convenience
• Practical actions dealers can take to win back aftersales revenue and increase customer lifetime value

Read the full article: Why 43% of aftersales revenue goes elsewhere.

Source: CitNOW Group Aftersales Consumer Research, based on an independent survey of 2,000 UK car owners conducted by Censuswide, June 2026.