What happens when AI meets the world of pickup trucks?

In this episode, John and Kyler sit down with Nate Buelow, the VP of Marketing and Communications for Ram & Chrysler, to explore the strategies they’re using to navigate rapidly changing markets and evolving customer needs. Nate shares how AI is revolutionizing marketing, design, and user experience, making adaptability more crucial than ever. They also discuss Nate’s experience in balancing traditional and EV technologies for varied consumer segments.

You’ll learn about the technology helping them achieve success, dealer partnerships, and the art of meeting diverse customer demands, all while staying nimble in a fast-paced industry. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace AI to Enhance Performance and Adaptability: Consider investing in AI-driven analytics to refine your marketing strategies and customer targeting to optimize operations, stay competitive, and adapt quickly to changes in the marketplace. 

2. Prioritize Strategic Communication and Leadership: Establish clear and frequent communication channels with your distribution partners to ensure alignment and responsiveness to market changes. 

3. Invest in Multi-Pronged Marketing Approaches: To tackle market complexities, adopt a comprehensive marketing approach that diversifies your efforts to ensure you reach a broader audience and adapt to various market segments.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Nate

(02:21) How Stellantis brand teams operate independently yet collaboratively

(08:02) The important role of regional dealers in Ram’s marketing strategy

(09:39) Driving demand through innovative marketing strategies

(11:06) Why metrics are crucial in Ram’s marketing decisions

(15:50) How Ram responds to critical issues 

(26:19) How dealer networks help in delivering Ram’s message

(31:24) The dynamic relationship between OEMs and powerful dealers

(36:58) Three buckets approach to marketing optimization

(42:27) Introducing the Ramcharger

(47:39) The importance of direct customer engagement

(52:31) Jeeps and the Rubber Ducky phenomenon