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AI Transforms Car Buying: 93% of Indian Buyers Use AI Tools, YouTube Shapes Early Choices
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CNBC TV18•24-09-2026, 13:22
AI Transforms Car Buying: 93% of Indian Buyers Use AI Tools, YouTube Shapes Early Choices
- •A Google and Kantar study reveals 93% of Indian car buyers use AI tools during their research, consulting an average of 7.8 sources.
- •Buyers using Google Search frequently encounter AI Overviews (90%) and AI Mode (89%), with a shift towards longer, conversational queries.
- •Despite AI reliance, 80% of chatbot users cross-check information on Google Search or YouTube, indicating a multi-platform verification process.
- •YouTube significantly influences early brand consideration, with 6 in 10 buyers casually browsing car content and 8 in 10 having a brand in mind before active research.
- •Google platforms (Search, YouTube, Maps, Gemini) are used by 87% of respondents, with Search being the most helpful channel, and AI use expanding rather than narrowing research.
Key Questions Answered
According to a study by Google and Kantar, 93% of car buyers in India use artificial intelligence tools during their research process.
YouTube heavily shapes early brand preferences, with around 6 in 10 buyers casually browsing content on the platform and 8 in 10 having a brand in mind before active research. Additionally, 77% rely on professional reviewers for first looks and road tests.
Rather than acting as a shortcut, AI tools actually widen the search process. Buyers who use AI tools consult an average of 7.8 sources, which is a 13% increase compared to the 6.9 sources used by those who do not rely on AI.
