carsales has launched AI Voice Search, allowing car buyers to use natural language to find vehicles without navigating traditional search filters or requiring automotive terminology knowledge.
The feature enables users to speak requests such as “a small city car with low kilometres” or “a family-friendly SUV for weekend trips” and receive personalised vehicle matches in seconds. The technology is powered by carsales’ proprietary data and real-time inventory matching.
According to a carsales study, over a third of buyers now use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist their vehicle search, with Gen Z buyers leading adoption at 45% and Millennials at 53%. The company says AI Voice Search was designed to address the complexity that can overwhelm younger buyers, newcomers and anyone unfamiliar with automotive terminology.
The platform uses carsales’ own data combined with real-time inventory matching to surface relevant options, removing the need for users to understand specific filters or keywords. This approach aims to connect buyers with vehicles that match their actual needs rather than their ability to navigate search parameters.
For sellers and dealers, carsales says the technology should strengthen the quality of enquiries by connecting them with shoppers who are clearer about their requirements and more confident in their search process.
Ryan Svaghi, carsales EGM Consumer Product & Design, says the feature addresses a shift in how people want to search for vehicles.
“Most buyers know what they need from a car, but they’re not always sure what make/model meets their needs or what the technical terms are,” Svaghi says.
“AI Voice Search helps take that pressure away. You just speak in your own words, and we show you the cars that match your request. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by car jargon or who wants to start a complex search quickly, without navigating multiple filters.”
The feature forms part of carsales’ broader suite of consumer-facing AI offerings, including an AI Assistant and AI-powered search and summarisation tools, all developed to streamline information-heavy processes.
Michelle Low, carsales EGM Technology & Data, says the innovation focuses on reducing complexity in the car buying journey.
“Behind the scenes, our team has built a suite of models that distil intent and turn unstructured conversational input into useful results,” Low says.
“The outcome matters most: people spend less time fiddling with tech and more time discovering the right car. That’s a goal we set ourselves with every feature – practical innovation that earns trust without the customer really needing to think about it.”
AI Voice Search is currently available on iOS, with Android availability rolling out in the coming weeks.
Join the conversation