365Telugu.com online news, 23rd, January 2025: Meta and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) have launched a joint whitepaper and playbook highlighting the digital shift in consumer behavior and preferences in the automotive sector. This shift is largely powered by digital technologies, reshaping the landscape for auto OEMs and dealerships in India.
In 2023, Meta and FADA introduced the ‘Move with Meta’ program aimed at upskilling auto dealerships in India. The goal was to equip them with the digital tools needed to boost their customer engagement, outreach, and lead generation capabilities using Meta Platforms.
Since its inception, the program has produced remarkable results, driving a 3X increase in dealer digitization and successfully upskilling over 6,000 dealers through its hyperlocal approach. This brings the total number of upskilled dealerships to 10,000, surpassing the initial target of 3,000 dealerships.
The initiative has had a significant impact on lead generation and sales for auto dealers, with a reported 32% increase in lead generation efficiency. This success is mirrored in the positive results seen by leading automotive OEMs across India.

C.S. Vigneshwar, President of FADA, stated, “Our collaboration with Meta has empowered dealers across the country with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Not only have we exceeded our target of upskilling 3,000 dealers surpassing 6,000 but we’ve seen a 3X growth in dealer digitization, with a 32% improvement in lead generation efficiency. This whitepaper emphasizes the transformative role of AI, Reels, and messaging platforms like WhatsApp in strengthening customer relationships and driving business growth.” https://fada.in
Saugato Bhowmik, Director of Auto, CPG, and D2C at Meta India, added, “Meta’s suite of products, including AI, Reels, and messaging platforms, are tailored to help auto dealers achieve efficient and rapid customer acquisition. Over the past two years, we’ve worked closely with FADA to upskill nearly 10,000 dealers, enabling them to better engage with customers. We’re excited to continue this partnership and upskill another 5,000 dealers over the next two years.”
Auto OEMs have reported a direct link between the program and improved sales and lead generation performance. Virat Khullar, Group Head of Marketing at Hyundai Motor India, said, “The hyperlocal program, in partnership with Meta, has driven exceptional business results. By onboarding over 600 dealers quickly, we saw a 37% increase in sales in H2 2024 compared to H1, alongside a 29% reduction in retail cost. We’re excited to continue scaling this partnership, utilizing AI and messaging tools to explore even greater opportunities.”
Manjari Upadhye, Chief Marketing Officer at Mahindra and Mahindra, shared, “Our partnership with Meta has amplified the success of our vehicle launches. We’ve utilized WhatsApp for the Thar ROXX launch and used the Auto Industry’s first chat-based car configurator on Messenger and Instagram Direct for the XUV 3XO, leading to a 29% increase in conversation volumes and significant sales results.”
Looking ahead, Meta and FADA aim to continue expanding the program, with a target to upskill an additional 5,000 dealers over the next two years.
Key Insights from the Auto Playbook 2025
Source: New Automobile Buyers Consumer Journey Study by Kantar Profiles (Meta-commissioned online survey, India, 2023)
- Meta’s Role in Discovery & Evaluation (Powered by AI): 72% of new automotive buyers discovered their brand on Meta platforms, and 69% reported that Meta apps influenced their purchase decisions.
- WhatsApp Leading Buyer-Dealer Communication: 48% of buyers used WhatsApp to connect with dealerships for vehicle inquiries, making it the most preferred channel. 47% of buyers also wanted to receive service reminders via messaging.
- Advantage+ Placements Improving Advertising Efficiency: Hyundai India used AI-powered Advantage+ Placements to optimize their dealer ads across all Meta surfaces, resulting in an 18% increase in lead volume and a 34% reduction in cost per lead.
- Reels and Creator Content Driving Purchase Decisions: 72% of automotive buyers found creator content on Instagram Reels helpful for vehicle evaluation, with 41% regularly engaging with vehicle-related Reels. Dealers can leverage this content to enhance authenticity and extend their reach. https://fada.in