carsales has launched AI Voice Search, a new capability that lets buyers speak naturally about what they want and receive personalised vehicle matches in seconds.
The feature aims to streamline what can often be a complex and jargon-heavy process, replacing multiple filters and technical terminology with conversational search.
A shift in how buyers search
According to carsales’ latest study, artificial intelligence is already influencing the way Australians shop for vehicles. More than a third of buyers now use AI to assist their vehicle search, with Gen Z (45%) and Millennials (53%) leading adoption.
The company says AI Voice Search was built to respond directly to that behavioural shift.
Image: carsales
Rather than selecting from dropdown menus or navigating layered filters, users can describe what they need in plain language, such as “a small city car with low kilometres” or “a family-friendly SUV for weekend trips”.
The platform then surfaces relevant matches using carsales’ proprietary data and real-time inventory matching, which the company describes as a unique combination in the local market.
Reducing friction in the buying journey
The new feature sits within carsales’ broader strategy to simplify the online car buying journey, particularly for younger buyers, newcomers and those less familiar with automotive terminology.
Ryan Svaghi, carsales EGM – Consumer Product & Design, said the product reflects changing expectations around search behaviour.
“We’re seeing a real shift in how people want to search. 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. 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. AI Voice Search builds on our commitment to creating experiences that feel natural, helpful and help boost confidence for buyers.”
For sellers, dealers and brands, the company says a more intuitive search process can help improve the quality of enquiries by connecting them with shoppers who are clearer about their needs and further along in the decision-making process.
Building on a broader AI roadmap
AI Voice Search forms part of carsales’ broader suite of consumer-facing AI-enabled tools, including its AI Assistant and AI-powered search and summarisation features.
Michelle Low, carsales EGM – Technology & Data, said the technology has been designed to simplify complexity behind the scenes.
“We get really excited about innovation that simplifies the whole experience for customers. AI Voice Search is another step toward reducing the complexity that often comes with the car buying journey and replacing it with something that just feels like it makes sense. Behind the scenes, our team has built a suite of models that distil (implicit) intent and turn unstructured conversational input into useful results.
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 now available on iOS, with Android rolling out in the coming weeks.
Top Image: carsales