According to the latest survey by SoundHound AI, nearly 80% of regular drivers are inclined to adopt voice assistants with generative AI capabilities in their vehicles if available.
“Over the last 12 months of deployment, it’s become clear that those early users see the value. In some cases, we’ve seen voice assistant usage increasing fivefold compared to a traditional vehicle voice assistant. That tells us that AI-powered technology is making a significant impact and is here to stay,” said Mike Zagorsek, COO and Automotive lead at SoundHound AI.
While many drivers across Europe already use in-car voice assistants, 78% in the UK, 77% in Germany, and 65% in France, the primary functions have remained focused on basic tasks like navigation, controlling vehicle features, and making calls. However, research suggests that drivers are eager for more advanced AI-powered functionalities. These include features like hands-free food ordering, using the assistant to understand vehicle alerts better and maintenance, and even summarising text or email threads to improve productivity on the road.
Among the key findings, 84% of UK, 70% of French, and 82% of German drivers said they would use AI-driven voice features if available. Many respondents, 68% overall, are willing to pay a fee or accept ads to access these advanced capabilities. The survey also found that 83% of those planning to purchase or lease a vehicle in the next year would prefer a car with AI-powered features over one without.
One major pain point revealed in the survey is the complexity of current vehicle features, with 40% of drivers finding them too difficult to use and 50% struggling with common tasks like GPS navigation. Interest in AI-enhanced vehicle management features, such as explaining alerts or scheduling maintenance, was highest in the UK (90%), followed by Germany (88%) and France (77%).