Core Insights - Cerence Inc. is set to showcase its innovations at CES 2026, focusing on advancements in its conversational AI platform, Cerence xUI™ [2][9] - The company aims to address challenges faced by automakers, such as consumer expectations for AI experiences and the need for software updates post-purchase [3][4] Group 1: Cerence xUI Platform - Cerence xUI is designed to be hybrid, modular, and technology-agnostic, allowing OEMs to integrate various AI models and data sources [4] - The platform supports continuous innovation by enabling fast deployment of new features and LLM capabilities to existing vehicles [4][5] - End users benefit from a more engaging experience with proactive, context-aware in-car assistants [5] Group 2: Multimodal Edge AI - Cerence's collaboration with SiMa.ai will be highlighted, showcasing the CaLLM™ Edge model running on efficient MLSoC hardware, enhancing performance and reducing latency [6] - This partnership aims to deliver fast, low-power interactions without relying on cloud connectivity, improving communication between the vehicle and driver [6] Group 3: New AI Agents - Cerence will introduce two new agents at CES: an ownership companion agent for vehicle maintenance and a dealer assist agent for dealership automation [8] - The mobile work agent, developed with Microsoft, will provide voice-first access to Microsoft 365 applications, enhancing productivity for drivers [9] Group 4: Audio AI Innovations - The company will showcase its Audio AI portfolio, which includes advanced capabilities for speech enhancement and noise reduction, ensuring clear audio performance in vehicles [11] Group 5: Partner Ecosystem - Cerence's presence at CES reflects its strong partner ecosystem, which includes collaborations with companies like TCL and MediaTek, emphasizing the modularity and innovation of its platform [12]

Core Insights - Cerence Inc. has introduced two new AI agents aimed at enhancing customer engagement in the automotive sector: the dealer assist agent and the ownership companion agent, which will be showcased at CES 2026 [2][3][9] Group 1: Dealer Assist Agent - The dealer assist agent is designed to address the disconnect between customer expectations and dealership operations, automating lead capture, test drive booking, and service scheduling [4][6] - Dealerships currently lose 15-20% of potential monthly sales due to inadequate response to leads, highlighting the need for AI tools to improve follow-up efficiency [5][6] - This agent integrates with CRM and DMS platforms to ensure seamless customer interactions, reducing response times and enhancing customer satisfaction [6][12] Group 2: Ownership Companion Agent - The ownership companion agent assists drivers with diagnostics, service scheduling, and helps them utilize advanced vehicle features, addressing the fact that over 60% of car owners do not use these features [8][9] - It provides a consistent, intelligent support experience for drivers, recognizing individual drivers and their service history to offer tailored recommendations [10][11] - The agent facilitates real-time communication between the vehicle and dealership, creating a service loop that enhances customer engagement [12] Group 3: Strategic Expansion - Cerence aims to extend its AI capabilities beyond the automotive sector, indicating potential applications in other industries that require high-volume customer engagement [7][8] - The introduction of these agents represents a strategic evolution for Cerence, enhancing its position as a leader in conversational AI and intelligent user experiences [3][9]