Centeca launches ChatGPT plugin for UK car listings

Centeca has launched a Click Dealer plugin that connects ChatGPT users with vehicle listings from independent car retailers, covering more than 120,000 vehicles in the UK.

The tool lets consumers search for cars in conversational language, then directs them to the supplying retailer's own Click Dealer website rather than a separate marketplace. Users can refine results by budget, intended use, fuel type, location, body type, colour and mileage.

The launch reflects a shift in how buyers begin product searches as generative AI services become part of everyday online research. For car retailers, that raises the question of how stock stays visible when a customer starts outside traditional dealer websites, search engines or listing platforms.

Click Dealer is part of Centeca, the automotive fintech group formerly known as Evolution Funding Group. The plugin links conversational search with dealers' existing online retail tools and lead-handling systems.

How it works

The plugin is available through ChatGPT's plugin directory and does not require a separate application or software download. Once connected, users can search for vehicles within a standard ChatGPT conversation.

The service is built on Model Context Protocol, an open standard used to connect AI platforms with external tools and structured data. Through this setup, ChatGPT can query Click Dealer's regularly refreshed inventory across its connected retailer network.

The StockStack search service and the MCP server behind the plugin were developed in-house by Evolution Funding, another Centeca brand. Centeca said using an open protocol means the same model could be adapted for other AI services and marketplaces.

Click Dealer works with more than 1,800 dealerships across the UK, and its connected retailer network represents one of the country's larger pools of independent dealer stock. Across the wider group, Centeca supports more than 5,500 transacting retailers and facilitates AUD £6.5 billion in automotive finance advances each year.

Retail strategy

The launch is part of Centeca's strategy to bring automotive retail, finance and technology closer together across the customer journey. It also marks the first stage of Dealer in a Box Reach, an extension of the existing Dealer in a Box offer into AI-led customer acquisition.

Dealer in a Box combines Click Dealer's website and digital retail technology with access to Evolution Funding's automotive finance platform. Dealer in a Box Reach is designed to bring customers to relevant dealer stock before they make a conventional enquiry.

Later development work will focus on integrating finance and affordability tools from Evolution Funding. The aim is to help consumers identify not only suitable vehicles, but also options that more closely match their budget.

Paul Saggar, Chief Innovation Officer at Centeca, said: "AI is changing the point at which product discovery begins. The challenge for retailers is not only making their inventory accessible through these new interfaces, but ensuring that interest can move into an environment where they retain their brand, customer relationship and digital retail journey."

He said the new system was built to be reused across different forms of AI-driven search. "Using an open protocol and technology developed within the group gives us a reusable foundation for connecting structured automotive inventory with conversational AI. ChatGPT is the immediate application, but the same approach has the potential to support other AI-led discovery environments in the future."

Saggar said the launch also fits the group's broader plans across vehicle search, finance and purchase. "The longer-term opportunity is to connect AI-led discovery with the wider technology and fintech capabilities across Centeca, creating a more joined-up journey from initial customer need through to vehicle suitability, affordability and purchase."