Autotorq has the answers to selling cars online

Autotorq, automotive web service provider, is providing the tools to help dealers in the shift towards selling cars on the internet. Ford, which is already working with Autotorq in Europe, recently became the first manufacturer to start selling cars online and it is predicted that other car companies will quickly follow suit.

Autotorq provides its clients with the relevant technology to support online car buying – from its best-in-class websites – rated as ‘exceptional’ using standards from Forrester, the leading independent technology and market research company – to online deposits and full payment systems.

Stewart Niblock, CEO of Autotorq commented: “We have always helped manufacturers and dealers get maximum return on investment online by attracting, converting and retaining customers. Whereas traditionally customers have then visited dealerships in person to buy the car, we are now witnessing and facilitating an increase of customers going through the complete purchase process online.”

Equally important to the ability for manufacturers and dealers to sell online is financial regulation and policy, and key areas  to address include issues such as those around distance selling, cooling off periods and impact on residual values that related to online purchasing. The policies for online customers as opposed to ‘walk-in’ customers will have to be carefully considered, as well as whether, for example, there will be scope for negotiation in online transactions.

Dealers and manufacturers will also have to consider what impact online sales will have on block exemption for example, and what restrictions manufacturers will place on individual dealers when it comes to any bonus or rewards systems for internet car sales.

Ultimately, the decision to move car sales online means a further reduction in the sales funnel for dealers, creating an even stronger imperative to use the right strategies, digital services and tools to attract, convert and retain customers online and improve efficiency and profitability.