Car buyers turn to AI for virtual assistance
A new study commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman has revealed a growing reliance on AI from car buyers looking for their next vehicle.
It surveyed 1,100 drivers and found that 18% now use an AI tool to help them select their next purchase.
Drivers seeking electric vehicles were more likely to use AI, with 27% consulting AI. This compares to 19% of hybrid buyers, 16% of petrol buyers and just 11% of motorists seeking a diesel vehicle.
Meanwhile, The Motor Ombudsman survey also found that 24% of male motorists would use AI as part of their search compared to 13% of female drivers.
Speed of response was cited as the main reason they used this recourse by 56% of respondents, while 32% said they trusted the technology more than advice from friends and family. Meanwhile, 46% said they would use AI to help them estimate annual running costs and 51% said they would use it to get an expected purchase price.
Virtual assistance
Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman, said: “AI is clearly evolving the landscape of how consumers are doing their research ahead of buying a car, providing a virtual assistant that offers rapid and comprehensive guidance drawn from a number of sources instantaneously.
“This may make for better informed customers thanks to having this aggregated information at their fingertips.
“However, it does not replace the important role that retailers play in being a trusted, transparent this and knowledgeable guide to help consumers make an educated decision that meets their requirements for a vehicle at the point of purchase.”
