AI & the Future of Car Buying

Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping how people shop. Dealers who understand these shifts will be better equipped to meet customer needs and drive greater profitability in a fast-moving market.

83%

of consumers say AI will reshape car buying1

Only

35%

of dealers have a strategic AI rollout plan2

And dealers with an AI plan are seeing results2:

25%

more likely to rate current performance as strong

41%

more likely to say efficiency improved in the past year

38%

more likely to rate efficiency as strong

78%

more likely to say operating costs improved in the past year

Top 5 Ways
consumers want to use AI to shop for vehicles3

Here’s how people who have tried AI tools are most likely to use them when shopping for a car:

Percent “Extremely/Very Likely” to Use AI for These Activities

Research vehicles

64%

Determine the price range for a vehicle

58%

Determine the price they should pay

58%

Find their current vehicle’s value

57%

Calculate a monthly payment

53%

4 Actions Dealers Can Take Today

  1. Evaluate Your Data: To get the most from AI, you need real-time, validated, shopper-specific data.
  2. Train Your Team: Invest in AI fluency across your staff to ensure they can confidently use and explain AI-powered tools.
  3. Implement AI-Powered Tools: Use AI for pricing, inventory optimization, and customer engagement to streamline operations and improve margins.
  4. Personalize the Experience: Leverage AI to tailor recommendations, financing options, and communications to each buyer’s preferences.

AI isn’t just for tech giants—it’s driving real results in auto retail.

Dealers who’ve fully adopted and optimized AI are seeing measurable gains in revenue, efficiency, and profitability.

Learn what sets these AI leaders apart—and how your dealership can follow their lead—with the new guide, Driving Outcomes with AI. 

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  1. 2025 Cox Automotive Evolving Consumer Study
  2. 2025 Cox Automotive AI Readiness in Auto Retail Study, Dealers results split: has a strategic plan vs. no plan. Values: 71% vs. 57%; 54% vs. 39%; 38% vs. 27%; 16% vs. 9%
  3. 2025 Cox Automotive AI Perceptions Study