The Cox suite CRM, or the one a dealer built.
VinSolutions is the CRM in the Cox Automotive suite, built around franchise OEM programs. BKD is built and tested on a real sales floor, with an AI Sidekick for every rep and appraisal-to-delivery in one login.
By Jason Mayhew, Founder, BKD.ai · Last updated · VinSolutions facts checked October 30, 2026
BKD and VinSolutions, side by side.
| Feature | VinSolutions | BKD |
|---|---|---|
| Category | CRM in the Cox Automotive suite | Dealership CRM that reads your DMS inventory feed |
| Built for | Dealerships, around franchise OEM programs | Independent, used, BHPH and franchise stores in the US and Canada |
| Published pricing | Quote only | Quoted at the demo |
| AI lead follow-up | Virtual Contact Assistant engages sales leads | An AI Sidekick per rep, by text and email in the rep's own name, number and style |
| Phone calls | Not stated publicly | Your people take every call, with browser calling and a Power Dial queue |
| Appraisals | Not stated publicly | Comp-backed appraisal workbench and customer trade-in links |
| Mobile | Mobile app | iOS and Android apps |
Where VinSolutions fits.
Part of Cox Automotive
Connects to Autotrader, Dealer.com, vAuto and Dealertrack.
OEM certifications
Certified for many manufacturer CRM programs.
Where BKD is different.
One AI agent per lead type
BKD ships purpose-built agents for seller, buyer and subprime finance leads. Each one is tuned to its pipeline instead of one generic assistant covering everything.
AI on text and email. Your people on the phone.
BKD's AI works leads over text and email, and your people take every call through a browser Power Dial, so customers always talk to someone from your store.
Appraisal to delivery in one login
BKD includes an appraisal workbench with sold comps and a scatter plot, plus live DMS inventory sync, a deal pipeline and delivery tracking. No separate tools to stitch together.
Build and test your own agents
A guided builder lets you create custom agents without prompt engineering, test them live in Test Drive, and roll back with versioning. Each store gets a named AI team member with its own phone number.
Built and tested on a real sales floor
BKD is built and tested against real leads on a working sales floor. Lead distribution is availability-aware round-robin or weighted, so leads skip reps who are off.
A mobile app built around calls and the AI
BKD's iOS and Android apps give reps the unified inbox, calls on their own BKD line with cell fallback, push alerts for new leads and Sidekick handoffs, appointments, and one-tap take-over from the AI.
Choose BKD if
- You want AI that actually works leads over text and email while your people handle every call.
- You want appraisals, inventory, deals and delivery in the same login as your CRM.
- You want software built and tested on a real sales floor, not designed in a boardroom.
Five questions to ask both of us.
Take these into every vendor call, ours included. The answers separate demos from reality.
- 1What exactly does the AI assistant do on its own, and at what point does a human have to take over?
- 2What is the all-in monthly cost for my store, including texting, AI features and any required add-ons?
- 3What is the contract term, and what does it take to leave?
- 4How does my DMS and inventory data get into the CRM, and how fresh is it?
- 5Can you show a real lead worked end to end, from first text to a booked appointment on the calendar?
Based on VinSolutions's public materials as of October 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us on a demo and we'll correct it.
BKD vs VinSolutions, answered.
Does BKD replace VinSolutions?
Yes, BKD can replace VinSolutions Connect CRM as your CRM. It reads your DMS inventory feed, and your DMS stays where it is.
How much does VinSolutions cost?
VinSolutions doesn't publish pricing. It's quote-based.
Is BKD a DMS?
No. BKD is a dealership CRM with appraisals, inventory, deals and Credit App submissions. It reads inventory from the DMS you already run, through a CSV or SFTP inventory feed.
Can I switch from VinSolutions to BKD?
Yes. CSV and Excel import brings your customers over with duplicate detection, and past sales import as delivered deals. Most BKD stores are live in days.
Does BKD work in Canada?
Yes. BKD is built in Canada for Canadian and US stores, with AutoTrader.ca and Kijiji leads and CASL-aware consent and opt-outs.
Sources: VinSolutions · Connect CRM · Switching to BKD
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