The Economic Times · 21 Oct, 13:37 · Technology briefing

Technology overtakes brand in influencing India’s car-buying decisions: Report

A recent report indicates that technological features now supersede brand loyalty as the primary driver for car purchases in India.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent report indicates that technological features now supersede brand loyalty as the primary driver for car purchases in India. This shift suggests consumers prioritise digital connectivity, safety innovations, and smart capabilities over traditional manufacturer reputation. The data highlights a structural change in consumer behaviour, where value is increasingly derived from integrated technology rather than heritage. This trend signals a broader realignment in the automotive sector, requiring manufacturers to adapt their product development and marketing strategies to meet evolving digital expectations among Indian buyers.

Employer demand for AI in Automotive skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This shift demands that you prioritise technical literacy alongside traditional business acumen. Professionals in product management and marketing must now understand consumer tech adoption patterns deeply. If you work in automotive or adjacent sectors, upskill in data analytics to interpret these changing preferences accurately. You should focus on learning how to translate complex technological features into compelling value propositions for customers. Smart professionals will now bridge the gap between engineering teams and consumer insights. Consider courses that enhance your ability to evaluate digital product features and their market impact. By mastering these interdisciplinary skills, you position yourself as a critical asset in organisations navigating this tech-first transition, ensuring your career remains relevant in a rapidly digitising industry.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI in Automotive, Digital Marketing, Data Science and Strategic Marketing — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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