DAS Technology had a big day Wednesday.

The consumer engagement SaaS artificial intelligence technology company made two big announcements at its eighth annual AUTOVATE conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.: the launch of a new messaging tool and the company’s 10th acquisition.

DAS said its new AI Engage combines DAS’ AI-powered messaging technology (including lead response capabilities) with live moderators for a system designed to improve real-time dealer and consumer communications throughout the vehicle research, purchase, finance, service and trade-in customer journey.

The company also announced it has acquired the assets of Engage To Sell, which supports live messaging communications embedded into proprietary technology designed to identify the best time to engage consumers online proactively.

Engage to Sell has sold its SaaS subscription services in the automotive, RV, marine and other specialty vehicle sectors for more than 15 years. DAS said the technology and trained live moderators will boost its ability to follow up with consumer leads and help dealers close deals faster.

DAS co-founder and CEO Alexi Venneri said the two moves mean her company “now offers the industry’s newest and most expansive messaging solution with AI Engage while expanding our client base by adding hundreds of new automotive and specialty vehicle dealer clients” as well as “enhancing our CDXP SaaS technology to provide consumers with even more communication choices while enabling our clients to improve prospect-to-sale ratios.”

AI Engage is an AI-powered multi-channel messaging system that expands DAS Technology’s Consumer Data & Experience Platform. The company said it merges “the power of ongoing real-time lead response, sales follow-up and service information with omnichannel communication.”

AI Engage is designed to support live and AI-enabled communication across text, chat and multiple messenger systems to engage consumers and convert leads 24/7 on dealer websites and campaign landing pages while integrating with CRMs and performing identity resolution between multiple systems – including the dealership’s CRM and DMS.

DAS said the AI Engage interface allows consumers to message an experienced live representative at any time while getting immediate answers and details for vehicle inventory, consumer reviews, trade-in valuations, service appointments, video content and more through an AI-enabled experience. It includes the capability to message across different platforms and reach direct dealership personnel via text or chat.

Chicago-based dealership group Bettenhausen Automotive was among the first DAS clients to use the new system.

“We get higher lead conversion results by combining the value of a live person with technology to answer customer questions,” marketing director John Doolin said. “Some customers prefer using AI chat, while others want to talk to a live person, which includes the ability to reach one of our team members in the store. This hybrid solution is a win-win for all. Our customers and dealership personnel love it.”