Artificial intelligence (AI) is already part of many people's routines, and now it is being integrated into the vehicle acquisition process in Brazil. A national survey conducted by Google, presented during the Anfavea Visions 2026 event, indicated that 57% of Brazilian consumers use AI tools when deciding on a car, with 13% already outsourcing part of their choices to this technology.
This change in buyer profile accompanies the strengthening of financial planning in the sector. Specifically, the light vehicle consortium segment registered a 4.2% increase in the first half of 2026.
The study points out that the use of AI does not necessarily decrease the total time spent on the purchase journey. On the contrary, by simplifying access to and organization of a vast set of data, the technology tends to extend the research phase, encouraging the consumer to analyze a wider range of options before finalizing the transaction.
AI tools are being used to organize data beforehand, allowing the buyer to advance to negotiation phases with more solid criteria to support their decision. This adoption of AI in the purchasing process occurs in a context of major changes in the automotive industry, driven by the growing supply of electrified vehicles, new connectivity features, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and innovations in propulsion technologies, making car selection more complex.
Currently, consumer analysis goes beyond simple comparison of price, engine, and conventional equipment. The vehicles themselves have become more digital, and consumers globally show receptiveness to AI-driven personalization features and remote software updates. In this highly technological environment, tools that can compile and structure information play a crucial role before the purchase.
Despite technological advances, AI functions as an aid, not a substitute for the buyer's personal evaluation. Elements such as available budget, intended use, and ongoing operational costs remain decisive factors. Although technology assists in research and scenario mapping, the final decision remains tied to each individual's financial planning, budget, and purpose.
The inclusion of AI in vehicle research reinforces a trend observed in the digital sphere: the purchase decision begins long before the customer visits a dealership or point of sale. Researching models, comparing costs, and studying acquisition methods happen in advance on online platforms.
This focus on research and planning is also reflected in the consortium market. According to data from the Brazilian Association of Consortium Administrators (ABAC), the light vehicle segment closed the first half of 2026 with 995.83 thousand quotas sold, representing a 4.2% growth compared to the same period in 2025, thus keeping the segment in the lead of the Consortium System in terms of adhesion volume.