A recent survey of U.S. auto dealers found most think artificial intelligence will replace some auto retail jobs within the next five years.

The poll of 500 dealers commissioned by Phyron, a Swedish provider of AI-generated car videos, found 87% of the dealers believe AI will take the place of some dealership jobs. Half said they anticipate it cutting jobs by 2030.

Half of respondents also said they can see AI even selling cars on its own within the next two years due to the advent of decision-making AI known as “agentic” AI. Just 5% of poll participants don’t expect AI to fully replace any dealership staff. 

Phyron, in announcing results of the study, emphasized that current AI technology isn’t up to human-level roles but suggested that could happen in a “few years.”

“AI still struggles with complex tasks needing real-time judgment and coordination between teams,” said CEO Mattias Kellquist. “We’re a few years from AI fully handling nuanced, high-pressure jobs common at dealerships. But AI can already deliver certain efficiencies and cost savings beyond human capabilities.”

Auto dealers, though they see AI taking a growing role in their businesses, still consider people as superior sales drivers, according to the survey results. Half think that if AI sells cars autonomously, it won’t clinch deals faster than sales staff.

Outside of role-filling, most survey respondents said they think AI will make their operations more efficient and lower costs by the next decade. They anticipate the greatest efficiencies in after-sales services, followed by financing, and Phyron’s specialty, video production.

The study was conducted in March by Opinion Matters.

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