AI integration in automotive retail and consumer behavior

The automotive industry is seeing an increase in the integration of artificial intelligence across different global markets, affecting both retail operations and consumer behavior.

In Sweden, companies like Carcare and 99x are partnering to develop AI-native platforms to improve inventory management and reduce customer lead times. While automation has shown potential to reduce lead times by an average of 30 percent, consumer sentiment remains mixed; a survey of 2,000 Swedish consumers found that while 41 percent would consider using an AI assistant for purchases, 25 percent are opposed due to concerns over decision-making control and liability.

In Brazil, research presented at Anfavea Visions 2026 confirms that 57% of consumers utilize AI tools to research vehicle models, compare costs, and analyze technical specifications, with approximately 13% delegating parts of the decision-making process to the technology. AI is increasingly used to organize data and analyze maintenance and insurance, often extending the research phase of the purchase journey.

Manufacturing and service sectors in Brazil are also evolving. BYD is investing R$ 300 million in a research center at Galeão Airport in Rio de Janeiro to focus on mobility innovations, supported by nearly 5,000 engineers working on autonomous driving. Meanwhile, Localiza is implementing AI for fleet management and customer experience, including facial recognition for vehicle access. However, cybersecurity experts warn of a dual challenge: while AI can provide ‘invisible security’ through biometric analysis, it is also being leveraged by criminals for ‘hyper-personalized social engineering campaigns,’ which may erode consumer trust in digital channels.