64% finance elsewhere, making budget tools and dealer inventory key to reaching shoppers before rivals do.
Younger buyers weigh car tech heavily, meaning distinctive experiences and clear positioning can set brands apart.
58% of US adults say a longer driving range would influence them to buy an electric vehicle, and 56% say the same about faster-charging batteries, according to an April survey from MRI-Simmons.
In July 2026, we analyzed 5,630 ChatGPT responses across five automotive categories to compile the AI Visibility Index.
The placement contradicts past promises and raises questions about ad-supported features.
In H1 2026, most ad spending in the auto and truck parts and accessories sector went to digital channels, while overall investment remained relatively steady month to month. Outlays remained concentrated among a handful of cities and a few advertisers.
Limited-edition drops could boost loyalty and profits as new vehicle demand slows.
Toyota Group drew 9.2 million unique US visitors in April, edging Ford's 9.0 million in a near dead heat for the largest auto-manufacturer audience, according to a June report from Comscore.
Tesla owners get discounts for self-driving miles, testing a new approach to risk
Attribution can show what happened, but not always what caused it. Incrementality testing is helping marketers distinguish true impact from activity that would have occurred anyway.
Key stat: News and media topped all verticals with a $7.93 video ad CPM in Q4 2025, the priciest audience to reach via video, according to an April report from BIScience.
Auto industry TV ad spend plummets: A 32% drop in May reflects high consumer costs and a focus on sports inventory.
Rising loan amounts and delinquencies are likely to increase the squeeze on retail spending.
Policy whiplash and a 27% sales drop force a pivot back to hybrids.
After costly missteps, a leaner $30,000 truck reframes EVs around value, not virtue.
Import-heavy brands gain breathing room, though uncertainty limits lasting upside.
Auto lending holds up despite cost pressure on consumers.
Adding major brands strengthens its bid to shape car search before buyers reach dealerships.
Jan-Feb auto industry ad spend foreshadows even steeper drop-off as the Iran war puts pressure on vehicle and gas prices.
AI brands’ new playbook: Bypassing marketing channels and seeking premium sports partnerships help secure the C-suite’s attention and fan loyalty.