
Ford technicians show off their skills
Skills development and technical excellence are critical to the sustainability of South Africa’s automotive industry, says Ford.
- Industry News
- 17 October 2025
Article written in conjunction with Keyloop
Keyloop, a global automotive technology leader, has expanded its partnership with AI Assistant to launch its AI-powered conversation platform in South African dealerships.
This move follows the successful roll-out of AI Assistant’s Conversations solution and marks a significant step in enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency for South African automotive retailers.
The AI-powered email platform enables dealerships to automate and personalise customer interactions via email and WhatsApp, delivering human-like conversations that drive engagement, responsiveness and, ultimately, sales. The platform interprets customer replies and responds in a conversational tone, handling tasks such as lead forwarding, appointment scheduling and CRM updates, all without human intervention.
AI messaging via different channels such as email and WhatsApp allows dealerships to respond more quickly and accurately to customer needs. Tailored, consistent communication promotes loyalty and enhances the overall customer experience.
This announcement builds on the momentum highlighted in a recent Dealerfloor article, which featured insights from Keyloop’s Graham Stokes and Tantia Kruger, underscoring the transformative potential of AI in dealership operations.
Graham Stokes, Vice President of Sales, Europe and Africa at Keyloop, commented:
“South Africa’s automotive market is dynamic and digitally ambitious. Dealerships here are eager to adopt technologies that streamline operations and elevate customers’ experience. With AI Assistant’s messaging platform, we’re enabling retailers to engage customers more effectively, reduce manual workload and unlock new levels of efficiency.”
Phil Stubbs, Chief Revenue Officer at AI Assistant, added:
“The appetite for innovation in South Africa is strong. Our partners are looking for scalable, intelligent solutions that deliver real impact and a clear return on investment. This expansion is about more than technology—it’s about empowering dealerships to build lasting customer relationships in a fast-evolving digital landscape.”
Tantia Kruger, Regional Sales Director, sub-Saharan Africa at Keyloop, said:
“We’ve seen firsthand how this technology transforms dealership operations. In South Africa, where teams are often stretched thin, AI Assistant is helping retailers respond faster, follow up more consistently and ultimately convert more leads. It’s not just about automation—it’s about giving dealers the tools to deliver a premium customer experience at scale.”
Dealerships in South Africa will now benefit from the same cutting-edge automation tools already transforming operations in the UK, Middle East, the Netherlands and Germany. By integrating AI Assistant’s platform, retailers can expect:
Keyloop’s commitment to the South African market reflects its broader strategy to deliver intelligent, experience-first solutions across the global automotive ecosystem.
To find out more about this exciting step, we invite you to join Keyloop’s partner webinar with AI Assistant on Thursday, 23 October at 2pm SAST. Click here to register.
Skills development and technical excellence are critical to the sustainability of South Africa’s automotive industry, says Ford.
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