In a time where technological advancements are becoming the norm, the future of auto dealerships is poised for exciting possibilities, much like a car revving up at the starting line. As we journey through the dynamic terrains of e-commerce, electric vehicles, and direct-to-consumer models, traditional dealerships have an unprecedented opportunity to evolve and thrive in this new landscape.
In this blog we discuss an approach for not just surviving but thriving in this volatile domain of automotive sales.
As digital technologies become ubiquitous, the way consumers approach car buying has fundamentally changed. According to a recent study by Cox Automotive, 72% of car buyers start their research online. This means that dealerships need to have a strong online presence in order to reach and engage potential customers.
Another major trend that is reshaping the automotive industry is the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles. Governments worldwide are setting ambitious targets for the adoption of these vehicles, and consumer interest is growing. According to a report by BloombergNEF, global sales of electric vehicles are expected to reach 28 million by 2025. Dealerships that want to stay ahead of the curve need to start preparing for the shift to electric and autonomous vehicles.
In addition to these technological trends, dealerships are also facing rising customer expectations. Consumers now demand a more personalized and convenient car buying experience. They want to be able to research and compare vehicles online, get real-time answers to their questions, and complete the purchase process from start to finish without having to leave their homes.
“70% of consumers are willing to pay more for a car buying experience that is convenient and easy.”
(Source: JD power)
Dealerships are facing a number of challenges, including increasing regulatory compliance requirements. For example, emissions regulations are becoming more stringent, and dealerships need to ensure that their inventory complies with these regulations. This can be a complex and costly process, as dealerships need to invest in new equipment and training for their employees.
Another challenge that dealerships face is the increasing competition from online car buying platforms and direct-to-consumer (D2C) models. These platforms offer a convenient and streamlined car buying experience that is appealing to many consumers. In fact, a study by Forbes found that approximately 40% of consumers are willing to bypass traditional dealerships for an online purchase.
To remain competitive in the ever-changing automotive industry, dealerships must stay up-to-date on the latest technological advancements. This includes investing in cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR and AR can be used to create immersive experiences that allow customers to visualize vehicles in a way that was not possible before. This can help dealerships to better understand customer needs and preferences, and to provide a more personalized and engaging sales experience.
To stay ahead of the competition and meet the needs of today’s digitally savvy customers, dealerships must embrace digital transformation. This means investing in online sales and marketing tools, as well as creating a seamless and personalized digital customer experience. For example, dealerships can create online configurators that allow customers to visualize and customize their dream car before ever stepping foot in the dealership. They can also use social media and email marketing to stay connected with potential customers and build relationships.
To ensure that their employees are equipped to provide a high-quality customer experience, dealerships must invest in staff training and development. This includes training on the latest technologies, such as VR and AR, as well as customer service best practices. Dealerships can also create a culture of continuous learning and innovation, where employees are encouraged to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology that is transforming the automotive industry. AI can be used for a variety of tasks, such as providing personalized recommendations, automating customer service tasks, and forecasting demand. For example, AI can be used to analyze customer data to identify potential buyers. It can also be used to automate tasks such as scheduling appointments and responding to customer inquiries.
To stay ahead of the competition and meet the needs of today’s customers, dealerships must diversify their inventory. This means offering a variety of vehicles, including electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as other types of vehicles that are in high demand. For example, dealerships can partner with manufacturers to offer test drives of electric vehicles, or they can create marketing campaigns that highlight the benefits of electric vehicles.
The road ahead for auto dealerships is undeniably complicated but navigable with the right strategies in place. Embracing digital transformation, investing in employee training, incorporating AI technologies, and diversifying inventory can go a long way in future-proofing a dealership. Challenges are inevitable, but they also represent unique opportunities for innovation and growth. By being proactive, dealerships can not only safeguard their future but also identify new avenues for growth and customer engagement.
