As we move past the impacts of COVID-19, industries are exploring new ways to connect with customers.
Is buying a car online a suitable option?
One of the most significant victims of this has been the auto industry. Locally, car sales slumped by as much as 60 per cent in a single week as people stay clear of dealerships and avoid private sellers in order to comply with social distancing requirements.
Internationally, we’re seeing other markets respond to similar collapses in demand in new and interesting ways. China – the world’s largest car market – has seen car sales fall as much as 92 per cent as dealerships closed on government orders at the beginning of the year to prevent further spread of COVID-19. With dealerships gradually reopening throughout February but Chinese consumers still wary of unnecessarily risking exposure, manufacturers are turning to the internet in order to keep vehicles moving off lots.
Transforming Car Buying in China: Major Manufacturers Embrace Fully Online Transactions
Several major manufacturers including Tesla, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are actively marketing cars as fully online purchases to Chinese consumers, tapping the country’s staggeringly deep and complex eCommerce ecosystem to reach, convince and convert customers. These services are truly contactless, allowing customers to browse a manufacturer’s range, specify a trim and accessories, order and pay online and have the car delivered to their door. Local manufacturer Geely has taken it further, allowing customers to have the car delivered to their door and the keys delivered by drone for a truly contactless purchasing experience.
The state of play in Australia
It’s not just China that’s roaring ahead with all-online purchases for cars. Manufacturers and private dealers are both getting in on the action in Australia.
As far back as 2012, Subaru recognised how the web could enable a new kind of car buying experience, offering the BRZ sports car as an online exclusive. Key to this was that Subaru held all stock centrally – not distributing them to dealerships. While the BRZ online sale was used to address a specific problem – severely limited supply of the vehicle in the Australian market – Subaru would find success with this method and later repeat it for the 2017 model year Impreza.
carbar Revolution: Pioneering All-Online Car Purchases Beyond Manufacturer Boundaries
Outside of the manufacturers, carbar is leading the pack in all-online car purchasing. Through carbar, buyers can browse an extensive range of vehicles from top manufacturers, pay online and have the car delivered to their doorstep. But that’s not the only way you can get a car through carbar.
What is a car subscription and how do you get it today?
If you’re in need of a vehicle but don’t want to buy, don’t call a rental agency. carbar offers an innovative way for you to get your hands on a high-quality vehicle wherever you are. An all-inclusive car subscription service, carbar allows drivers to select from hundreds of cars (both new and used cars) from dozens of manufacturers, select their favourite and have it delivered to their door. Offered for a single weekly fee inclusive of insurance, registration, roadside assistance and servicing, it’s the simple, seamless and contactless way to get behind the wheel of something different.
Explore Confidence at Genuine Car Sales Websites: Secure, Transparent, and Hassle-Free Transactions Await
Provided with the same flexible delivery and secure online payment options that anyone buying a car through us already enjoys, our car subscription service is a safe, secure and contactless way to access a vehicle for your exclusive use, all without the hassle of ownership or unpredictable running expenses.
To learn more about car subscription, browse our range of vehicles or join for free, visit carbar.com.au today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I trade in my current vehicle when purchasing a car through carbar?
Absolutely! carbar offers a convenient trade-in process. Simply provide details about your current vehicle during the online buying process, and we'll provide an estimate for its trade-in value.
2. Is it possible to test drive a car before making a purchase through carbar?
Yes, you can! carbar offers a unique test drive option. Select the car you're interested in, and we'll arrange a test drive at a location convenient for you, ensuring you feel confident in your choice.
3. How does the car finance process work with carbar?
carbar makes financing easy. During the online purchasing process, you can explore various financing options and choose the one that suits you best. We provide transparent information about interest rates, loan terms, and monthly payments.
4. Are there any precautions to take to avoid car scams when buying a car?
Online scams often involve too-good-to-be-true deals, requests for direct transfers, and sellers insisting on communication outside the platform. Be wary of sellers asking for personal or financial information too soon.
carbar is committed to a secure and trustworthy car-buying experience. We employ rigorous verification processes, but it's always good practice to be cautious.
5. Are online auction sites safe for buying cars?
Many online auction sites are reputable and secure, but it's essential to choose well-known platforms with robust buyer protection policies. Read reviews, understand the platform's terms and conditions, and be cautious about bidding on vehicles with suspiciously low prices.
6. What steps does carbar take to ensure the quality and condition of the vehicles listed online?
carbar conducts thorough inspections on all listed vehicles to ensure they meet our quality standards. We provide detailed vehicle histories and reports, giving you confidence in your purchase.
