A new survey by SoundHound AI, Inc., a global leader in voice artificial intelligence, has revealed that European drivers are eager to adopt voice assistants with advanced AI capabilities in their vehicles. The independent study, conducted among car owners in the UK, France, and Germany, found that nearly 80% of regular drivers would likely use a voice assistant equipped with generative AI if it were available.
The survey highlights the growing demand for more sophisticated voice technology in cars, which would allow drivers to go beyond the typical functions of in-vehicle assistants, such as controlling features, navigating, or making calls. The research indicates that European drivers are ready for AI-powered voice assistants capable of managing a variety of tasks hands-free, from placing food orders to summarising emails.
While most drivers already have access to voice assistants (78% in the UK, 77% in Germany, and 65% in France), these systems are largely limited to basic in-car tasks. However, the survey suggests a significant appetite for more advanced capabilities. This includes being able to place food orders directly from the car dashboard, get explanations for vehicle features without referring to a manual, and have AI summarise text threads to boost productivity on the go.
Key findings
The study found that 84% of UK drivers, 70% of French drivers, and 82% of German drivers would likely use generative AI voice assistants. Additionally, 68% of all drivers surveyed said they would be willing to pay a fee or be served ads in exchange for access to these advanced features. Notably, 83% of drivers planning to purchase or lease a vehicle in the next year said they would choose a car with AI features over one without.
Mike Zagorsek, Chief Operating Officer of SoundHound AI, commented on the findings: “This survey data aligns with what we’re seeing from drivers already using voice generative AI on the road. Over the past year, we’ve seen the usage of AI-powered vehicle assistants increase fivefold compared to traditional voice systems. This shows that AI technology is making a real impact and is here to stay.”
New AI capabilities in demand
The survey also explored drivers’ interest in specific AI-powered features. In the UK, 72% of respondents expressed interest in an in-vehicle food ordering system, allowing drivers to place orders from popular chains while on the move, with the food ready for pick-up upon arrival. Interest was slightly lower in Germany (69%) and France (57%).
Vehicle management emerged as a top priority, with 90% of UK drivers, 88% of German drivers, and 77% of French drivers showing interest in using a voice assistant to help with car maintenance. This feature would explain dashboard alerts, assist in scheduling services, and provide guidance on how to use various car features.
Additionally, 84% of UK drivers, 81% of German drivers, and 68% of French drivers said they would use AI to summarise text threads and place calls while driving.
The survey was commissioned by SoundHound AI as part of a strategic programme with Vivaldi to explore the potential of AI voice assistants in the automotive industry. SoundHound has already partnered with several global automakers, deploying its generative AI software in vehicles, processing millions of queries in multiple languages. Learn more about SoundHound AI Automotive solutions visit www.soundhound.com/voice-ai-solutions/automotive/.