The pandemic has led to a “dramatic” change in car buying behaviour, with growing numbers of motorists now choosing to buy online.
Lockdown restrictions and work-from-home requirements have also led to a shift in when people are making new car transactions.
Data from automotive ecommerce firm GForces shows that between 10am and midday is now the most popular time to buy a car online.
Its systems also helped sell a car every nine minutes during January 2021.
GForces chief commercial officer Tim Smith said the acceleration in online car buying has been huge. “There has never been a more pressing need for the auto industry to invest in online buying platforms.
This doesn’t mean the traditional showroom no longer has a place, he added. “Blending ‘bricks and clicks’ as part of an enjoyable, seamless consumer experience is the key to the future.”
Buy with Android and Apple Pay
An increase in buying a car online is also leading to a change in how motorists pay reservation fees.
GForces data showed that Android and Apple Pay accounted for £23m of sales from motorists paying reservation fees, deposits – and even outright purchases.
Home delivery of new cars has risen 35 percent in a year, understandably peaking during lockdown months.
British buyers are also using the flexibility to search for cars further afield.
The average distance recorded with online transactions is 80 miles from home – significantly greater than the average of 35 miles for face-to-face purchases.
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