Localise

28/05/2026

According to the latest data from Statcounter, ChatGPT’s share of AI website referrals has fallen to an all-time low of 76.85% (down from over 84% last year). Meanwhile, Google Gemini has surged to an all-time high of 9%, nearly quadrupling its share in 12 months.

What does this tell us?

The AI market is fragmenting, and OpenAI’s monopoly is eroding.

But the real story for UK motor retailers is why Google Gemini is winning so much ground. Statcounter’s CEO noted that Google’s strategy of embedding Gemini directly into Search, Android, Chrome, and Workspace is paying off. Google isn't waiting for users to open a standalone app; they are bringing AI to where consumers already live and search.

This is exactly why we advise our dealer partners to focus their budget on the Google ecosystem. Through Google Vehicle Ads (VAs), your live vehicle inventory is hooked directly into this same massive, AI-driven infrastructure.

When a local buyer relies on Google to search for their next car, your vehicles are placed front and centre.

The takeaway?

Optimising your digital presence for just one platform or relying on old classified funnels is a losing strategy. The future belongs to open-web, intent-driven AI discovery.

19/05/2026

The AI landscape just shifted, and it’s a massive wake-up call for automotive marketing. 📉📈

New data from Statcounter reveals ChatGPT’s share of AI website referrals has hit an all-time low of 76.85%. Meanwhile, Google Gemini has surged to an all-time high of 9%!

Why? Because Google isn’t waiting for users to open an app, they’re embedding AI directly into Search, Chrome, and Android where buyers already live.

For dealerships, convenience wins. This is exactly why we focus on Google Vehicle Ads. When local buyers use Google's ecosystem to search for their next car, vehicle ads put your live stock front and centre right when they express intent.

Stop relying on old classified funnels. Drop us a message to see how we turn Google’s AI dominance into direct sales for your forecourt.

29/04/2026

56% of automotive calls are now coming from Google Business Profile. 🚗📞

The latest report from our partners at Mediahawk shows GBP is doing the heavy lifting for dealerships. Two things jumped out at us:

GBP is the primary driver: It’s responsible for over half of all call volume.

The GVA Opportunity: Most aren't fully using Google Vehicle Ads yet. It's a massive open goal for anyone looking to jump ahead on lead quality.

Check out the full report from Mediahawk: Link in comments!

28/04/2026

Building a world-class reputation requires more than just a great showroom; it requires a DMS that works behind the scenes to ensure no customer detail is forgotten and every follow-up is personal.

Automation doesn't replace the human element; it enhances it. It ensures that every buyer gets a tailored experience, leading to the kind of reviews that drive new business through your doors.

Check out the full 'Automation Edge' article:

Explore the "automation edge" and see how modernising your workflow transforms customer satisfaction into a 5-star brand.

10/04/2026

Hey

The Franchise Car Dealer Google Review League Q1 results have dropped!

🚗Over 4000 dealerships listed
🚗Find out where your dealership ranked in the first quarter of 2026
🚗See your change in position since the last set of results
🚗Drill down by manufacturer or location

Want to know where your dealership stands? Check the link in the comments👇

08/04/2026

Exciting news for Sandown Group!

We’ve been proud partners of the Sandown group for a while now, managing the online presence across their sites.

Supporting the launch of their new OMODA & JAECOO locations in Basingstoke, Newbury and Poole has been a brilliant next step in our collaboration.

Check out the new sites and go see the team if you're in the area!

03/04/2026

Car dealerships' most forgotten task this Easter weekend. 🐣

It happens every bank holiday. A customer decides to visit a showroom, checks Google, and sees "Hours might differ." They don't risk the drive. They go to the dealership that has their holiday hours confirmed in green text like in the example shown here.

If you haven’t set your "Special Hours" in Google Business Profile yet, do it today. It takes two minutes and prevents lost footfall over the long weekend.

Wishing you all a busy Easter weekend! 🐰

24/03/2026

Congratulations to the team! ⚽️🏆

We are incredibly proud to be official sponsors of the FC Porthcawl Youth team and to see the players' hard work paying off. It’s a privilege to support local talent.

Well done to everyone involved. Keep that momentum going! 🙌💚

18/03/2026

Meet the new face of retail growth at Localise: Adam Stott

We are thrilled to welcome Adam to the team as our new Retail Manager.

With Google Business Profiles (GBP) and Google Vehicle Ads (GVA) now serving as the primary digital storefronts for UK dealerships, Adam joins us to ensure our clients are dominating local search.

Adam’s focus is helping dealer groups streamline their digital strategy through:

✅ Google Vehicle Ads: Getting your stock in front of high-intent buyers instantly.

✅ Customer Connect: Turning feedback into a competitive edge with proactive review management.

✅ GBP Management: Ensuring your locations are found, trusted, and chosen.

With Adam’s automotive retail expertise, we’re doubling down on our mission to help the UK’s leading brands and independent dealers win the local search battle.

Outside of helping dealerships grow, you'll likely find Adam perfecting his Spanish or hacking his way around a golf course! 🏌️

Welcome to the team, Adam! We’re excited to have you on board.

17/03/2026

Many Motability GBP listings are still showing as "Open" despite the 13th February closure deadline.

Because these profiles are no longer actively managed, they likely contain out-of-date information and incorrect hours. This conflicting data can negatively impact your main showroom’s local SEO and frustrate customers trying to reach you.

We recommend auditing your listings today. If your Motability profile is still live, contact them directly to request a closure date.

Expert Tip: Wait until these listings are fully closed before performing major optimisations on your primary profile to ensure you maintain maximum ranking authority.