2022 Automotive News Canada All-Stars

The Policaro Group of premium dealerships was frustrated in its search for a communication platform to improve customer service and efficiency at its Toronto-area stores. So, it assembled a team of 12 people and drew on two third-party software companies to create a bespoke solution.

Under the leadership of Francesco A. Policaro, the group’s vice-president of operations, the team developed technology that simplified virtually every sales and service interaction. In developing the tool, Policaro, 42, was inspired by Amazon’s human-free interaction model.

Powered by artificial intelligence, the technology makes it easier for automakers, dealers and dealership groups to offer services, such as booking appointments and loaner vehicles for customers, under one platform, Policaro said. The texting component connects the telematics inside the car to the dealership.

The result, he said, is a “smarter, frictionless customer experience.”

Realizing the company had a winner, Policaro formed ACE (Automotive Communications Ecosystem) Marktplace so the software could be sold to other dealerships.

In February, ACE Marktplace’s technology was purchased by Quebec City-based Kimoby, a cloud-based business instant-messaging company. The Policaro Group represents the Acura, BMW, Lexus, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar brands.