Driving the Future: Chinese Brands, AI, and Inclusion at Bartons

df995a42

Alright, welcome everyone, you’re listening to the very first episode of The Bartons Podcast! I’m Mark Beitz I run Bartons Motor Group up in Brisbane’s beautiful Bayside. Got my mate Llew Jury with me today, he’s the brains behind Advancer, the AI agency here in Brissy. Great to have you on, Llew!

Llew Jury

Thanks, Mark — great to be here. What a year it’s been for the car industry! Feels like everywhere you look there’s a Chinese brand now — BYD, GWM, MG, Cherry… you name it. And four of them have already cracked Australia’s top ten for new car sales.

df995a42

Yeah, not that long ago, seeing a Cherry or MG on the Wynnum Esplanade was rare — now it’s almost every other car. And Llew, it’s been fascinating watching how quickly people have warmed to these brands. The design, the price point, the tech — it’s all playing a part. You’re seeing families, retirees, first-car buyers — all kinds of people jumping on board. It really shows how much the market’s shifted in just a few years.

Llew Jury

Love that! I mean, these brands have just absolutely nailed it on price, tech, even build quality. Customers are after value and reliability, sure, but they also want a digital dash, easy Bluetooth… things like that as standard now. I reckon Bartons has seen that first-hand — you guys sell GWM, MG, and Cherry all under one roof, right?

df995a42

Yeah, mate, we see plenty of locals coming in after an affordable SUV with all the bells and whistles — and these brands tick every box. Families, young tradies, even business fleets. Chinese-built cars aren’t just about price anymore. They’re pushing out electric vehicles with real driving range, GWM’s Ute have that proper ruggedness and tech, and Cherry — well, they’re rolling out hybrids and sharp-looking EVs for city commuters who want something different.

Llew Jury

Couldn’t agree more, Mark. And I reckon the SUV trend’s feeding all of that — something like sixty percent of new car sales now are SUVs. The Chinese brands are watching what Aussies actually want, then just delivering on it — size, tech, value. Shakes things up in a good way.

df995a42

Yeah spot on, Llew, and the feedback from people here in Brisbane is they love having more options. For our customers, this means more choice and better value. Plus, we back these vehicles with strong after-sales support and warranties, giving buyers peace of mind and that’s key.

Llew Jury

Yeah, this is my favourite bit, honestly. Mark, let’s pull back the curtain — Bartons has been a leader in rolling out AI. Give us the real story on Podium Jerry AI, how’s it changed your day-to-day?

df995a42

Oh mate, it’s a sensational. Podium Jerry AI’s basically like having another key player on the sales team — never takes a breather, follows up leads as soon as they come in. So if someone jumps on our website at 8pm, asks about a Chery Omoda, bang, Jerry AI’s onto it — answers questions, lines up a call or test drive, even after-hours. That used to take heaps of admin hours from the team. Now staff can focus on looking after people face-to-face. Frees up so much time, honestly.

Llew Jury

It’s funny people don’t realise just how much background work it takes to keep up with everything, especially follow-up calls, emails, the lot. Having AI catch every lead, no one falls through the cracks. That’s real progress. And you’re also using Eleven Labs Voice AI for service bookings, yeah?

df995a42

Yeah that’s right, Llew. So, if you ring our service line — anytime, could be midnight — you’ll probably get our Eleven Labs Voice AI first. You talk to it just like you’re talking to Kim or Luke in the call centre. It books you straight in. If there's any dramas or someone needs that “human touch,” it hands off to the real crew. This reduces wait times and frees up our service team to focus on delivering great work.

Llew Jury

Yeah so good, so customers get their booking done in one go, no hanging on hold, and your team can crack on with the big jobs. What about those digital assistants — the AI ones behind the scenes?

df995a42

Yeah, so across every Bartons location we’ve got AI taking care of the day-to-day stuff — checking inventory, handling customer check-ins when cars come in for servicing, after-sales support, even keeping our internal comms on track. It keeps everything running smoothly and frees us up to focus on what really matters — looking after Brisbane drivers. It’s all about making the experience faster, easier and more personal for our customers.

Llew Jury

That level of AI is what’s putting Bartons on the national map, no question. The big thing is, it’s the customers who notice the improvements: faster replies, more personalised comms, and way quicker service. Plus, the insights you get let you tailor things to what each person actually wants. That’s how you move the industry forward.

df995a42

That’s it, Llew. Makes all the difference for busy families, shift workers, anyone. The technology is meant to serve people, never replace them. I reckon that’s why our regulars keep coming back — they see the service gets better every year. Now, while we’re talking progress, mate — there’s another area I reckon Bartons is leading on, and that’s getting more women into every part of our business…

Llew Jury

Can’t agree more, Mark. It’s easy to talk about future tech, but who’s in those jobs is just as vital. Bartons is really pushing for more women — not just in admin, but all through the ranks, right up to leadership. Why’s that so close to your heart?

df995a42

When I stepped into this role at Bartons, my goal was to build a team that truly reflects our community — different backgrounds, different experiences, and equal opportunity for everyone. These days we’ve got women leading workshops, heading up customer service, and shaping the future of our business. Seeing people come in, develop their skills, and take on leadership roles is honestly one of the most rewarding parts of this job.

Llew Jury

That’s massive, Mark. It isn’t easy for women to break in, especially in industry roles. How’s Bartons make it work — any specific programs or ideas?

df995a42

Yep, so we run mentorship programs — pair up young talent with team leaders, both guys and girls. Throw in leadership training, offer flexible hours for mums and anyone juggling family, and work closely with local schools and TAFEs. We want young women on the Bayside to see there’s a proper career in the auto game, and the doors are open if you want to give it a go. And, honestly, you get better culture and ideas straight away.

Llew Jury

Makes a difference, mate. And customers pick up on it — they see women front and centre at the dealership, and it just makes it more welcoming for everyone. A team as diverse as the community, that’s the future.

df995a42

Yeah one hundred percent. And it’s not just the right thing to do — it’s smart business. We hire the best people, full stop, and our whole business is stronger for it. That’s how we grow and how we keep looking after our customers in Brisbane and beyond.

Llew Jury

Can’t say it any better, Mark. So, quick recap — Chinese brands like MG, GWM, and Cherry are massive in Australia, Bartons is smashing it on AI-led service, and women in automotive is no longer the exception, it’s the rule.

df995a42

Yeah exactly Llew. Big thanks to everyone out there for tuning in to our very first Bartons Podcast. Jump on bartons.net.au if you want to check out the latest stock, see our tech in action, or just pop in dealership and have a chat.

Llew Jury

And don’t forget to hit subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — we’ll be back soon with more on the future of driving, the buzz on EVs, and all the stories from behind the scenes at Bartons. Thanks again, Mark, enjoyed the chat!

df995a42

Loved it, mate. Alright take care, drive safe, and we’ll catch you next time.