73% of drivers would pay for voice shopping in their cars through different payment methods.
Voice shopping could make car companies $47 billion CAD each year after they sell the vehicle.
Nearly 70% of car buyers want vehicles with voice shopping features.
Car companies have found a new way to make money after they sell you a vehicle: charging for voice commands.
What started with monthly fees for heated seats has grown into something bigger. Now, automakers want to turn your daily drive into a shopping trip through voice-activated buying systems.
SoundHound AI asked drivers about this idea. They found that 73% of people who already use voice assistants in their cars would pay for voice shopping features. Car companies think this could bring in $47 billion CAD ($35 billion USD) each year.
The willingness to pay shows clear patterns: 46% of consumers would pay to access voice commerce services, with 18% accepting per-transaction fees and 29% open to subscription models. Another 31% would tolerate advertisements, while 29% would share personal data. This gives manufacturers several different ways to make money after selling the car.
Most New Car Buyers Want Voice Shopping
Mercedes-Benz Vision V | Photo: Mercedes-BenzThe research found something else important. About 69% of people shopping for new cars want voice commerce features. They would pick a car with voice shopping over one without it.
This matters because people switch car brands more often now. Almost half of drivers would consider a different brand for their next car.
Car companies see voice shopping as a way to keep customers loyal. They also see it as easy money after they sell the car.
The most popular voice shopping ideas were:
- Ordering food (76% interested)
- Booking car service (73% interested)
- Finding parking (71% interested)
- Planning entertainment (59% interested)
- Buying random stuff (58% interested)
Drivers could say things like “Find a restaurant and book a table for 7pm” or “Order groceries and tell me where to pick them up.”
The Subscription Problem
Car companies already charge monthly fees for many features. Some people worry about having too many subscriptions, but research shows drivers are willing to pay for voice shopping.
Voice commerce would also give car companies valuable data about customers. They would know where people go, what they buy, and when they shop.
Michael Zagorsek from SoundHound AI said voice commerce helps both drivers and car companies. It’s convenient for drivers and makes money for manufacturers.
The car industry is changing fast. Cars are becoming more like smartphones on wheels, and voice shopping fits this trend.
Car companies want to make money from services, not just selling cars. Voice commerce could be a big part of this plan. Whether drivers actually want another monthly bill is still unclear.
But the research suggests many people are ready to shop with their voice while driving.
