MotorDesk adds API 2.0 and AI-ready website tools for dealers

MotorDesk rolled out a June platform update that gives automotive retailers more control over integrations, websites and day-to-day dealership workflows. The release adds API 2.0, AI Accessibility features and upgraded appraisal tools as dealers prepare for a more AI-driven online search environment.

Why it matters: - MotorDesk is pushing dealers toward more connected, automated operations as automotive retail software becomes more data-driven. - The update is designed to help independent and franchised dealerships build custom tools, improve website performance and reduce manual work. - The AI-ready website features could help dealers stay visible as search and recommendation tools increasingly rely on machine-readable data.

What happened: - MotorDesk announced a June release that adds API 2.0, AI-ready website technology and several dealership workflow improvements. - The company said the update gives dealers and software developers secure access to almost every part of the MotorDesk platform. - Neil Skirrow, founder of MotorDesk, said the new API gives dealers more flexibility while keeping the platform secure and reliable.

The details: - API 2.0 allows custom integrations, reporting tools, websites and automated workflows using live dealership data. - MotorDesk said the expanded API is intended to help businesses build bespoke solutions faster as AI-powered development tools become more common. - The website offering now includes professionally managed templates and a bespoke website design service for online showrooms. - The new AI Accessibility feature publishes structured, machine-readable information about dealerships and live vehicle stock. - MotorDesk said that structure helps AI assistants and large language models better understand dealership websites and could improve recommendation accuracy. - The Appraisals system replaces the previous Quick Check feature with a broader workflow. - The new appraisal process links directly to customer records and leads. - The workflow also adds condition reporting, offer approval processes, preparation task management and intelligent valuation support. - The June release includes automatic detection of UK Additional Road Tax to improve pricing accuracy. - MotorDesk also added website content module improvements aimed at design flexibility and usability. - MotorDesk describes its platform as a dealer management system for automotive retailers that combines stock management, dealership websites, lead management, reporting, automation and operational tools.

Between the lines: - The release shows MotorDesk is positioning its platform around two shifts at once: tighter system integration and AI-assisted discovery. - The new API and machine-readable website layer suggest MotorDesk wants dealers to control more of their digital stack instead of relying on closed systems. - The appraisal overhaul points to a broader effort to connect sales, valuation and customer records in one workflow.

What's next: - Dealers can use the new API and website tools to build custom workflows, enhance online showrooms and connect more third-party systems. - MotorDesk expects the AI Accessibility feature to become more valuable as AI search and recommendation tools evolve. - The company says the release is part of continued investment in helping dealerships adopt new technology while simplifying daily operations. - More information is available at MotorDesk's announcement.