Everything You Need to Know About Podium Automotive Software

As you know, running an automotive business eats into your time. It doesn’t matter if you’re selling cars, running a service department, managing parts, or operating a rental fleet, there’s plenty to stay on top of. As well as all that, your customers expect fast, stress-free communication and service. That means that your automotive marketing can sometimes take a back seat; but it doesn’t have to.

Podium’s automotive software is built specifically for the industry, giving your team the tools to move faster, respond smarter, and convert more customers. Here’s what you need to know, plus how Podium Automotive Marketing can support you in standing out from the crowd.

General Automotive Business Use

How does Podium differ from generic CRM or communication tools?

Other general-purpose platforms aren’t like Podium. This purpose-built automotive software connects leads, messages, reviews, and transactions into one system, giving your team the speed and visibility to manage every customer interaction from enquiry to sale or service completion.

Can Podium track ROI across departments like sales, service, and parts?

Yes. Podium allows you to track where leads come from, how they’re handled, and what outcomes they drive. You get access to a comprehensive view of ROI across your entire dealership, not just one department.

How does Podium manage multi-location or multi-brand dealership groups?

Podium’s easy-to-use dashboard enables you to manage multiple locations and brands in one place. Reporting and communication is centralised, while each store’s identity and customer data are kept distinct.

What onboarding and training is available for automotive teams?

Right from the start, Podium promises custom onboarding that’s made just for the automotive industry. Sales teams, service advisors, and parts staff receive dedicated training to help them adopt the platform quickly.

Can Podium segment communications by make, model, or service history?

Yes. Get the most from segmentation and send targeted messages based on vehicle make, service history, or previous purchases. This is how you make your outreach feel personal and relevant; something that supports customer engagement and retention.

Dealership Sales

Does Podium integrate with DMS platforms used by dealerships?

Podium slots into leading Dealer Management Systems (DMS) to help you sync customer records, assign leads, and respond without switching platforms. It’s a pain-free extension of the systems your team already uses every single day.

Can Podium automate follow-up after test drives or appointments?

Yes. Podium can trigger automated SMS or email follow-ups after showroom visits, test drives, or online enquiries. This is a proven, effective way of boosting conversion rates while cutting down on manual work.

Is it possible to personalise lead messages based on vehicle interest?

Absolutely. When someone enquires about a specific model or trim, Podium creates communication that feels personal to the customer, helping you close more sales.

How does Podium reduce lead response time?

Podium centralises all channels, like web chat, Facebook, Google, and SMS, into a single inbox with instant notifications and automation. Respond to any lead within seconds, not hours.

Can sales activity and lead handling be tracked by team member?

Yes. Podium makes it easier than ever before to assign leads, monitor response times, and track individual performance across your sales team.

Service Department

Can Podium send automated service reminders and recall notifications?

Yes. With Podium, you can automate SMS reminders for service appointments, recalls, and follow-ups, keeping your bays full and your customers informed.

How does Podium support real-time updates during repairs?

Share updates, photos, and estimated completion times via text to keep your customers in the loop, without needing a phone call.

Can customers approve service quotes via Podium?

Yes. Customers can review and approve estimates right from their phone, speeding up approvals and boosting efficiency for your service team.

How does Podium handle after-hours enquiries?

After-hours messages can trigger automated replies or AI chat responses to capture key details and manage expectations until your team is back online.

Can Podium collect service-specific feedback or reviews?

Yes. You can gather customer reviews and satisfaction scores after service appointments, and use this feedback to improve experiences and retention.

Parts Retailers

Can Podium manage real-time parts enquiries via chat or SMS?

Yes. Customers are able to ask about part availability or pricing through web chat or text, and your team can respond in real-time. With Podium, you can drastically cut back on phone traffic.

How does Podium help wholesale parts buyer communication?

Create VIP tags and communication flows for high-value accounts. Use the platform to prioritise urgent requests and build long-term loyalty with B2B buyers.

Does Podium integrate with inventory systems?

Podium connects with many parts inventory platforms via API or third-party integrations, giving your staff quick access to stock and ETA updates during live conversations.

Can repeat parts buyers be targeted for special promotions?

Yes. Use segmentation to identify frequent buyers and send them exclusive SMS promotions, restock alerts, or special-order incentives.

Is click-and-collect supported through Podium?

Yes. Podium can be used to send pickup confirmations, ready-for-collection alerts, and payment updates, providing a fast and efficient click-and-collect experience.

Car Rental Services

Can Podium automate rental pickup and return messaging?

Yes. Reduce confusion and improve the customer experience with automated messaging that sends detailed pickup instructions, return reminders, or location information.

Can customers securely upload ID or license documents?

Yes. Podium allows secure document upload via SMS, so your customers can provide what’s needed without email or in-person handovers.

How does Podium support reputation management for rentals?

After each rental, Podium can trigger review requests on Google or other platforms. You can also monitor and respond to feedback quickly to boost visibility and trust.

Can Podium flag unhappy customers before they leave a bad review?

Yes. Real-time feedback tools can detect negative sentiment and alert your team, giving you the chance to recover the customer experience proactively.

Can I collect and track NPS scores after each rental?

Yes. Post-rental surveys and Net Promoter Score tracking are available to help you measure satisfaction and benchmark performance across locations and customer types.

It’s Time to Grow Your Automotive Business

It doesn’t matter if you’re running a single dealership or a multi-location network, Podium’s purpose-built automotive software in Australia gives you what you need to transform your automotive marketing.

Get started with Podium Automotive and stop juggling disconnected tools. Start delivering faster, more efficient customer experiences, all from one platform.