A NEW study* by carwow indicates that despite the coronavirus, a strong appetite from motorists to change their cars still exists, with 54% still intending to change their car in the not too distance future. That figure jumps to 70% in Greater London.

However, the survey confirms that social interaction and exposure fears are a barrier, so dealers need to be quick to adapt their sales processes to make it easier for consumers to buy with confidence. 

Nearly 30% of people surveyed called for home delivered test drives and 28% would like a home delivery service for their purchased car.

Carwow, launched in 2009 with the purpose of simplifying the process of buying a new car and is now the leading marketplace for buying new and nearly new cars, and their partner dealers have responded rapidly to assist consumers preferring not to visit showrooms at this time.

Dealers can now promote on carwow that they will offer ‘delivery & disinfection’, facilitate home test drives, vehicle video tours and the ability to purchase 100% remotely.

COMMIT

Carwow partner dealers can commit to ‘delivery & disinfection’, where the delivery driver will spray and wipe down the interior, keys and door handles. The driver will also drop documents through the customer’s letter box, leading to a zero contact buying experience.

“Speaking to dealerships over recent days it’s evident that there is, understandably, social interaction concern among consumers.

“That’s reinforced by our survey which highlights that almost a third of consumers would now welcome a home delivered test drive vehicle with sanitised touch points,” comments James Hind, CEO of carwow.  

“It’s our job to address these concerns and help facilitate dealers and the automotive industry as a whole to keep the economic wheels turning at this unprecedented time. 

“That’s why we’ve worked quickly to add functionality to our website so buyers can now easily identify which dealers are remotely supporting the search-to-purchase journey, helping them buy with confidence from the security of their own home, if they choose.”

*A survey of 1000 motorists across the UK, conducted independently by Censuswide on the evening of March 17.