The Automotive Conference and Expo (ACE) returned to Niagara Falls this year with a sold-out trade show featuring dozens of suppliers, technology partners and service providers supporting Canada’s retail automotive industry.
The atmosphere on the show floor was busy and upbeat, with conversations focused on innovation, efficiency and the tools helping dealers adapt to rapid change. Across the exhibit hall, topics such as AI, cybersecurity, workforce development and customer experience were top of mind. Exhibitors said that while the pace of transformation in retail automotive remains intense, it’s also creating fresh opportunities for collaboration and growth.
ACE has become more than a showcase — it’s a hub for connection. Dealers value the chance to meet partners face to face, exchange ideas and see the latest solutions in action. From data analytics and F&I technology to training, security and marketing, the diversity of offerings underscored how integrated and interdependent the industry has become.
Canadian auto dealer met with dozens of exhibitors to hear what’s new and what’s next. The following are edited conversations from the show:
- CADA
- CARFAX
- CDK Global
- DSMA
- Hunter Engineering
- Keyloop
- MNP
- PBS
- Reynolds & Reynolds
- Quorum
- SiriusXM
- Sym-Tech Dealer Services
- TAG Tracking
- TRADER
Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA)
Brigette Goldenshtein, Manager, Marketing & Communications
Goldenshtein: The goal for us at ACE is to talk with as many dealers as possible and let them know about the different programs we offer. We want to make sure they understand the advocacy work we’re doing on their behalf and the resources available to them. ACE is about having those face-to-face conversations. Dealers can come to us with questions about the association, political issues or any of our programs, and we’ll walk them through it.
Beyond that, we’re promoting participation in the CADA Workforce Study, and I’m encouraging everyone to take part in my session. Dealers have been giving us great feedback about how they’re using the Workforce Study. Many are facing retention challenges, and the data helps them see where turnover rates are highest and what’s driving them. It also highlights what employees value most today. It’s not just about compensation anymore — it’s about the total rewards package, including time off and benefits. The study helps dealerships paint a clear picture of what’s working in their operation and what isn’t.
Huw Williams is back to host the political panel with Rob Russo, which is a great conversation about the national political landscape. And of course, we’re still giving away our CADA socks.
Robinson: Our newest initiative is CADA Security Services, which builds on our commitment to helping dealers manage risk and recover from incidents faster. It’s officially called Security Services, and we’re proud to share it at the show.
CARFAX Canada
Bryan Bota, Director, Dealer Sales
We’ve been talking about our new Service Insights tool, a predictive maintenance tool to help dealers and consumers understand what’s coming next for a vehicle. We draw on records in the CARFAX database, so we’re not just showing history anymore — we can predict when a vehicle might need brakes, tires or other maintenance.
Dealers have been receptive. They’re asking how it fits into their workflows, and we’ve seen it used in the service lane and BDC, as well as in sales and F&I. For example, we can look at a 2019 Honda Civic and pull service records for other 2019 Civics, then predict what maintenance is most likely based on mileage. It gives the advisor or buyer an informed view of what’s ahead.
Transparency and insight are what CARFAX is about, helping dealers and consumers have better conversations. Dealers can use that information to alert customers to upcoming needs — maybe even handle the work today — increasing work orders and building trust from a neutral third party. It’s also valuable for used inventory and auction purchases, especially for off-make trades.
The tool is subscription-based, with annual and month-to-month options depending on report volume, and we offer free trials so dealers can see how it fits their store.
We’ve also focused on fraud prevention. VIN cloning and export fraud have become huge issues, so earlier this year we introduced a Fraud Check feature. When a dealer runs a history report, it flags export records or suspicious concurrent registrations so they can do more due diligence before taking a trade. We’ve seen cases where dealers took in vehicles — like newer Cadillac Escalades — and discovered they were VIN clones, leaving them stuck with assets they can’t move. Fraud Check helps prevent that. We’ve also launched a consumer version so car owners can check their own vehicles and catch issues early. Even dealers who haven’t encountered fraud yet know it’s only a matter of time. It’s becoming more common across the industry.
CDK Global
Frank Quinn, Director, Product Marketing
The industry is changing rapidly as consumer expectations evolve, operational demands increase, and artificial intelligence becomes a bigger factor in retail. CDK’s focus is on helping dealers scale and adapt through its Dealership Xperience platform, a fully integrated, modular system that supports every area of the dealership. From fixed operations and F&I to sales, back office, accounting and communications, CDK’s technology can be right-sized for any operation. Dealers can start small or adopt a full suite of modules such as modern retail, vehicle inventory or fixed operations.
The goal is to meet dealers where they are, support growth and provide an open API ecosystem that integrates with existing systems. Our investment in data, scale and customer success positions us as a long-term partner.
AI was a recurring theme at ACE 2025. CDK’s approach is to embed AI responsibly throughout tools and workflows. We believe “AI without data is just artificial,” and with one of the industry’s largest data pools, we’re using that advantage to help dealers make faster, more informed decisions. AI is enhancing business analytics, automating consumer follow-ups, assisting with scheduling and delivering real-time, personalized responses. We’re also developing chat-style experiences to give dealers quick access to reports and insights — a “hybrid intelligence” that combines AI with human expertise.
Data security remains a top priority. CDK operates under a “security by design” framework with comprehensive data protection, single sign-on and multifactor authentication, SOC 1 and 2 audits and 24/7 monitoring. We also help dealers secure their endpoints through networking and communication services. Finally, we continue to invest in customer service, with a 400-person support team, role-based certification programs and an AI-assisted self-service care portal.
DSMA
Farid Ahmad, Owner, Founder & CEO
Ahmad: Dealers are staying very connected to what’s happening in the industry, and that’s what makes them great entrepreneurs. At DSMA, we’re talking to dealers across North America every day, so we have a good pulse on the market.
The M&A space is extremely active, especially given that the average age of a dealer is about 72. Many are starting to plan for the next step, even if they aren’t ready to sell yet. Most of the deals we close today began as conversations three or four years ago — when dealers start asking what their business is worth, how to make it more valuable and how market multiples are trending. Our role is to guide them through that process and help them position for the best outcome.
We do more than valuations. We advise dealers on how to stage their business — like a home prepared for sale. It’s not only about financials; it’s about the calibre of people, the store’s performance and the overall presentation. We perform more than 400 valuations a year in Canada, so we see trends early.
Right now, dealers are watching the potential entry of Chinese EV brands closely. These manufacturers are producing good-looking, long-range EVs at lower prices, and that could shake up the Canadian market. If those brands gain entry, franchise values could be affected, especially for legacy manufacturers.
As for who’s selling, there are three main profiles: those without a successor; those concerned about manufacturers restricting who can buy; and those who feel the business has lost some of its fun. There’s more regulation, more oversight and less freedom than in the past. Many entrepreneurs are ready for their next chapter.
Natasha Denkovski, Regional Director, Ontario Region
Denkovski: Everything we do comes down to relationships. Our advisors manage every aspect of the M&A process, from finance and marketing to legal and valuation. We’ve completed more than 2,000 valuations using over 80 million data points, which makes our assessments very accurate. Most of our stores sell within about 97 per cent of the estimated value.
We help clients from start to finish — whether they’re selling, buying or planning ahead. Every two and a half days, DSMA completes a transaction somewhere in North America. Events like ACE allow us to meet new partners, build relationships and find services that can enhance our client experience.
Hunter Engineering Canada
Ross Iacobellis, Technical Sales and Training Manager
This year our focus at ACE was on front-facing calibrations, which make up more than 80 per cent of all ADAS calibrations performed in Canada. We brought a typical vehicle setup to the show floor to demonstrate how those calibrations are done in a standard alignment bay — exactly what a dealer would see in their own shop. There’s still a lot of confusion about ADAS, so our goal is to educate and show dealers how to integrate these procedures into existing workflows.
At our ADAS Hub, visitors could use a touchscreen that explains how each system works, when it needs to be calibrated and what terminology each OEM uses. Every manufacturer has its own language — Subaru’s EyeSight, Toyota’s 360-degree camera system, rear cross-traffic alerts and so on — so this station helps demystify terms and processes.
We also highlighted our new 360 target, which supports the latest panoramic systems from Toyota and Lexus, and we’ve just received OEM approvals for Subaru and Kia, with additional announcements coming soon. Hunter works closely with OEMs to meet their specifications. Our procedures use the same distances, targets and tolerances — down to the millimetre — because a small error can have major safety consequences. A misalignment of even two millimetres can mean the difference between staying in your lane or veering off course.
Beyond ADAS, we’re showcasing inspection and service-drive solutions that enhance transparency by displaying alignment and tread results on-screen, and we introduced the new Maverick tire changer. It’s designed to improve technician efficiency and reduce strain, featuring a pick-and-place lift system and simplified controls based on technician feedback.
Keyloop
Karen Parmenter, National Sales Director
Our focus was on Fusion, Keyloop’s new automotive retail platform that connects sales, service and back-office functions in one intelligent, data-driven ecosystem. The idea is simple but powerful: give dealers a single view of every customer and transaction, and unify the tools they use to manage operations.
Dealers face a fragmented tech landscape, and Fusion is designed to simplify that by integrating with existing DMS systems, including those beyond our own. They don’t have to replace what they have; they can build on it.
AI came up in nearly every conversation, but we approach it as an enhancement, not a replacement for people. Dealers need help extracting insights from data stored in different systems, and Fusion’s role is to unlock that data so they can make faster, more informed decisions. After three decades in this industry, this is the first platform I’ve seen that truly brings everything together — from fixed ops to sales — in one end-to-end solution. Early adopters are seeing the potential, and as more dealers experience it, I believe Fusion will set a new standard for connected automotive retail.
Reynolds and Reynolds
Jason McArthur, Director, Dealership Operations and OEM Relations
At ACE this year, we’re introducing Relo, our new autonomous parts-delivery robot now available in Canada after a successful rollout in the U.S. Relo keeps technicians focused on their work instead of walking to the parts counter. When a part is needed, the technician can request it, the parts staff load it, and Relo delivers it directly to the bay. It’s about saving time, improving safety and increasing efficiency.
We’ve tested it extensively on real shop floors — with cords, hoses and uneven concrete — to ensure it handles everyday conditions. It can carry up to 600 pounds, from transmissions to a full set of tires, reducing physical strain on staff.
Beyond Relo, we’re expanding our Spark AI platform, which brings artificial intelligence into day-to-day dealership operations. Dealers can use Spark AI to generate reports, access training support or pull key performance data instantly. We’re also seeing growing concern about cybersecurity, where Proton, our dedicated division, helps safeguard networks and data, whether or not a dealer uses a Reynolds DMS. The goal is the same: help dealers operate more efficiently, safely and profitably.
Quorum
Mike Poelzer, Regional Sales Executive
It’s been a great show. We’ve had a steady flow of customers — lots of familiar faces and some new ones. These events are as much about reconnecting as networking, and this year we met a few companies we’re excited to explore integrations with.
The big news: Quorum is moving from a publicly traded company to a private one, following a recent acquisition by Valsoft, a Montreal-based software firm that owns more than 120 tech companies. They’re what we call forever investors; they don’t buy to flip — they buy to grow. That opens up potential for collaboration and access to additional talent and innovation across their portfolio, including in AI.
AI has been a hot topic, and it’s something we’ve already built into several tools. On the DMS side, we’re integrating AI directly into the technician window to help write clearer, more complete notes — a long-standing challenge that affects communication with customers and OEMs, particularly for warranty work. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in efficiency and satisfaction.
We’ve also had many conversations about our flagship service-lane product, Power Lane, which continues to be our top seller. It gives advisors a tablet-based tool to check in customers, review service history, active warranties and maintenance recommendations in one place. Technicians can take photos or videos, attach estimates and send them to the customer’s phone for instant approval. OEMs have taken notice, with Hyundai and GM making service-lane tools mandatory in their networks. Power Lane has increased shop throughput, customer-pay work and overall satisfaction. We’re now working to bring the same functionality to our DealerMine customers, with development underway for rollout next year.
This year’s ACE show has been about connection, reassurance and momentum, showing dealers that Quorum is moving faster and smarter under new ownership.
MNP
Chris Schaufele, National Leader, Dealerships
Our focus at ACE was on connecting with dealers to understand what’s happening in their businesses and where we can add value. MNP has long been involved in the dealership community — from our sponsorship of the CADA Workforce Study to developing the Anti-Fraud Guide released earlier this year. That guide, produced with CADA and our forensics team in Montreal, wasn’t written to alarm, but it was eye-opening.
Fraud, cybercrime and internal risks are growing concerns, and many owners are realizing how much can happen right under their noses. Awareness and prevention are key, and we’re helping dealers strengthen systems from cybersecurity and compliance to governance and accounting. We also try to make our expertise accessible through webinars and resources that help dealers stay ahead of new regulations or financial risks.
Right now, many dealers are watching the economy and their performance. Some stores are doing well, while others are struggling to maintain margins — that’s where we can help review operations and identify efficiencies. Another area of focus is preparing for ownership transitions. Many are thinking about selling in the next few years, and planning early can make a big difference. Cleaning up financials, optimizing operations and meeting capital gains exemption tests can take years. We work with dealers to stage their business for sale, improve valuations and ensure they’re ready when the time comes.
PBS Systems
Joelle Roy, DMS Territory Manager
For us, ACE is about reconnecting with existing customers and meeting new ones. PBS has a large presence across Canada, so most visitors to our booth are already clients. It gives us a chance to strengthen relationships, hear what’s happening in their stores and find out what they’re looking for next.
Security is still important, even if it’s not as front and centre as a year ago. At our Calgary headquarters, we continue to add layers of protection to the DMS and work with partners who share that focus.
Dealers are very curious about AI. Everyone defines it differently, so our first step is to understand what it means to them. Some want to automate workflows; others want smarter customer responses or to ease pressure on their BDC. Across the board, most agree AI should support the human side of the business, not replace it. We call it meaningful intelligence — helping dealers access and use DMS data to make better decisions.
On the product side, there’s a lot coming: expanding our sales app to include desking and menu-sign features; introducing a new parts scanner and delivery app to eliminate paperwork for wholesale operations; and continuing to refine the user interface. With more than a 99 per cent retention rate, our focus on continuous improvement and support is a big part of who we are. PBS is Canadian-based, with headquarters in Calgary, additional offices in Milton and across the U.S., and a team culture built around long-term relationships and ongoing innovation.
SiriusXM
Mike Mazgay, Vice-President, Automotive Partnerships
Our focus was introducing dealers to our three-year extended trial program, which gives customers a longer, simpler and more integrated SiriusXM experience. We launched it first with General Motors, where dealers can now order vehicles with the three-year option built in. Every vehicle still includes a standard three-month trial, but dealers can upgrade that to three years at the time of ordering.
The process is seamless: no credit cards, no calls and no renewals for the customer. It’s built into the price of the vehicle, and dealers have seen strong results with faster inventory turnover and higher customer satisfaction. GM stores, for example, are turning cars about 17 days faster on average when they include the three-year subscription. Dealers also make a margin on the product, which is priced at $300 for three years — over $1,000 worth of listening value.
We’ve recently added Subaru as another OEM partner, and we’re in discussions with several more to roll out variations suited to their retail models. We also have a dealer-based program that lets retailers purchase one-time promo codes to include a three-year subscription on specific vehicles, which is proving popular for model-year sell-downs or private sales events. For consumers, the extended trial eliminates subscription fatigue by including SiriusXM directly in car payments, giving uninterrupted access to premium entertainment without extra steps.
Sym-Tech Dealer Services
Derek Sloan, President and CEO
At ACE, we officially launched Coach AI, a new tool that extends the work our field trainers do by providing real-time coaching and performance insight. Sym-Tech has more than 100 field associates across the country who sit in on F&I deals, take live turns and help develop staff in-store. But we can’t be in every dealership every day, so Coach AI fills that gap.
It records every F&I customer interaction through voice only — keeping all personal information private — and instantly produces a performance report based on the sales process. It identifies where an F&I manager excels, where they can improve and then builds a personalized training curriculum. It’s compliance support, performance tracking and development in one.
Coach AI creates consistency across the sales process and helps managers continually refine their approach. It learns from patterns over time — tone, pacing, handling objections — to suggest ways to improve the customer experience. There can be hesitation at first when people hear they’re being recorded, but once they see how it works, they understand it’s about progress, not policing. Better skills lead to higher performance and happier customers.
TAG Tracking
Richard Cleroux, Director of Sales
Traffic at the show has been steady, and we continue to see strong interest from dealers focused on protecting inventory and customers from theft. The good news is overall vehicle thefts are starting to come down as law enforcement, insurers and technology companies work more closely together, but there’s still a long way to go.
TAG’s difference is that we design and build our own technology in Montreal. We don’t buy off-the-shelf GPS units; we manufacture, install and track everything ourselves. That means we control the full process from A to Z, including a dedicated investigation team that works directly with insurers and police. Our tracking specialists have authorized access to major ports, including Montreal, and we’re expanding to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to strengthen coverage in East Coast shipping corridors.
When thieves see the TAG logo on a vehicle, theft attempts drop by about 98 per cent because they know our system is hard to defeat. Each vehicle is equipped with multiple hidden tracking units installed in random locations, plus our nano tags — tiny identifiers etched with the vehicle’s VIN — that make it possible to prove a car’s identity even if it’s been re-VINed. Battery life is up to 10 years, and our contracts typically run five to seven years depending on the insurer or dealership.
Business has been strong, with more than 100 Ontario dealerships now installing TAG systems and partnerships expanding through Speedy Glass locations. We’ve recovered over $206 million worth of vehicles so far. Our mission remains the same: reduce theft and get stolen cars back to their owners.
TRADER
Jody Gill, Chief Sales Officer
We’ve been focusing on how AI can help dealers connect with consumers and run their businesses more efficiently. One of our newest tools is AutoMatch, introduced as part of our dealer packages to add value. When consumers browse the 26,000-plus private listings on AutoTrader.ca, AutoMatch recommends nearby dealer vehicles that fit their search criteria within a 100-kilometre radius. It’s a simple way to give shoppers more options while driving visibility and leads for dealers.
We’ve seen strong engagement and are exploring new ways to integrate AI across dealer tools and the marketplace. From a market standpoint, dealers are cautiously optimistic. Large independents and franchise stores are generally performing well, though inventory supply remains uneven and fraud has become a major concern. Through Dealertrack, we offer fraud detection tools that help dealers catch suspicious transactions early, preventing six-figure losses.
Many dealers are shifting focus toward used vehicles as affordability pressures and supply constraints affect new-car sales. With interest rates easing, consumers are returning to the market, but the monthly payment remains the main deciding factor. On the EV side, demand is slower and used values are falling. Many consumers still lack information about charging, range and long-term costs, and government incentives have stalled while infrastructure lags.
We’re also preparing to launch a refreshed AutoTrader.ca platform, integrating AI-powered search, enhanced pricing tools and simplified dealer packages to make merchandising and performance tracking easier. The new site is in testing now and expected to launch next year.
