auto dealer in black and red logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Drop in OEM AI Investment Predicted

Automakers need strong AI foundations to meet ambitious goals.

December 9, 2025
Drop in OEM AI Investment Predicted

The next four years could see a sharp decline in automotive AI investment.

Credit:

Canva

1 min to read



Despite the current popularity of artificial intelligence in the automotive industry, business and technology insights company Gartner predicts that only 5% of automakers will still be heavily investing in AI by 2029, a sharp decline from the current 95% reported interest.

It says that in order for brands to stay ahead on AI, they need a strong software foundation, tech-savvy leadership and a consistent, long-term focus on the technology. 

“Software and data are the cornerstones of AI,” said Gartner analyst Pedro Pacheco. “Companies with advanced maturity in these areas have a natural head start.”

One of the key reasons companies might fall behind is lack of budget. A recent Gartner survey found a decrease over the past three years in the IT budgets of automotive companies, curtailing their spending on AI investment. 

The company also emphasized the need for a cultural shift in companies that includes having executives who understand technology and have a tech-first approach, as well as paying "leading salaries to secure top software talent."

DIG DEEPER: Audi Drivers Can Ditch That Pesky Manual



More Industry

Dealer Debrief with Lauren Lawrence, 05/07/2026, Auto Dealer Today
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 8, 2026

Dealer Debrief: Credit Scores & Exec Moves

In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers bad credit scores, executive moves and a dealership acquisition.

Read More →
Shifting Loan Demands A Sign of the Times, Loan Application paperwork with a pen and a car outline, Auto Dealer Today
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 8, 2026

Auto Loan Outlook Shows Cracks

Recent survey data shows that the overall demand for auto loans is down, but the demand for subprime loans is up as consumers face economic uncertainty and affordability pressures.

Read More →
Cover image for a BOK Financial report titled “Timing the market: How avoiding volatility entirely can hurt long-term reinsurance program performance.” The image shows several road construction barricades with flashing amber warning lights lined up in a nighttime work zone. Beneath the image, red text explains that avoiding volatility can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long-term surplus growth. The BOK Financial logo appears at the bottom right.
SponsoredMay 8, 2026

Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance

For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Auto Dealer today, Dealer Debrief, 05/01/2026 with Lauren Lawrence
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 1, 2026

Dealer Debrief: New & Used Sales Trends

In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers new and used vehicle sales trends from March.

Read More →
white Chevrolet Equinox being temperature tested
Fixed Opsby Lauren LawrenceMay 1, 2026

Extreme Temps Hinder EV Efficiency

American consumers might be happy to know that their preferred hybrids are slightly less impacted by extreme temperatures than fully electric vehicles, according to a new study.

Read More →
Photo of woman at desk using a calculator
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 1, 2026

A Tale of Haves and Have-Nots

A growing number of consumers are stretching the bounds of auto finance to afford today’s expensive vehicles, ultimately paying a higher price for the now-common scenarios.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Headshot of Michael Orange
Industryby Hannah MitchellApril 24, 2026

Stellantis Names U.S. Sales Head

The former Hyundai and Nissan executive is tasked with increased momentum in the important market as the automaker shifts its strategy amid a turnaround.

Read More →
family in a car, Affordability Out the Window, Auto Dealer Today
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 24, 2026

Bad Credit Tanks Attainability

A recent study suggests expectant parents are feeling the burden of bad credit more than other demographics when it comes to buying a new car.

Read More →
Dealer Debrief, 04/23/2026, with Lauren Lawrence, Auto Dealer Today
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 23, 2026

Dealer Debrief: Ford HQ and Mercedes Studios

In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers Ford HQ renovations, new Mercedes studios, and the state of auto loans in March.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dealer Debrief 04/15/2026 with Lauren Lawrence
Industryby Lauren LawrenceApril 17, 2026

Dealer Debrief: Exploding Airbags & Risk Management

In this week's Dealer Debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a potential air bag ban and reinsurance and risk management.

Read More →