Voice function to simplify search on JT Hughes website

You might notice something different the next time you visit our website – we are currently testing an exciting new voice search function. It makes looking for JT Hughes used vehicles an even simpler process, and is available for users of PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. (only Google Chrome)

What’s behind the feature? We’ve taken a look at recent consumer habits, and have noted the increase in voice search on Google. More of us are taking advantage of the voice option on the Chrome browser, and now 20 per cent of all searches are conducted by voice.

There is also an increased familiarity with personal assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Voice search is catching on because of its convenience and accuracy, and we wanted to get in on the act 

When you arrive on the JT Hughes home page, you will be given the option of activating the mic on your PC or mobile device. From there you just need to specify the make and model of the car you are looking for, and your preference of colour if you have one, before our search engine will direct you straight to the most relevant results.

For example; “red Honda Civic”. If you’ve never tried voice search before, we recommend giving it a go. If you don’t prefer it, you will still be able to use the traditional ‘type and click’ way of searching.

Initially we will be testing the voice search function for our used vehicle database, but we are ready use it in other website functions if the demand is there.

Our Group Sales Director, Paul Tench, explained the thinking behind introducing the new voice search option: “With a filter-based text search, it can take between five and ten clicks to reach desired results; we're confident that voice search will shorten and simplify the search process for our customers, providing a valuable shortcut within the navigation process of looking for a used vehicle.”

Initially, voice search will only be available to users who browse the internet using Google Chrome on their computer or Android device. Our data analytics show that more of you use Chrome than any other browser, but there is the possibility of rolling it out across more browsers such as Internet Explorer and Safari.

We believe that most customers have an idea of their preferred car when looking for a used vehicle, and hope that the new voice search function can help them get to exactly the vehicle they want, in record time. We are determined to embrace innovation at JT Hughes and voice search is another opportunity for us to keep pushing things forward.