Ford Credit program makes dealer visit optional Ford Motor Credit customers will soon be able topurchase and finance new vehiclesfrom a dealership's website, thereby making a visit to the store optional. Through a platform powered by Ford Credit and AutoFi, a financial technology company that automates online vehicle sales and financing, customers will be able to complete the entire transaction online.(Automotive News)
Hmm... I thought the whole point of having to endure the horrible experience of the car showroom was to screw the greasy oik of a sales rep and see what freebies / discounts you could get thrown in because you just know he's gagging for it (i.e. needs the commission to meet his targets). Can't do that on a website !
That may be sooner than you think...look what Carvana is doing and they sell hundreds of millions worth of cars. http://www.click2houston.com/news/c...lows-consumers-to-buy-online-avoid-dealership
This probably works well without a trade-in, ....but most people have trades and that's where the dealerships' smoke and mirrors goes into full swing. Its also where they make a lot of money... especially if the buyer is upside-down on their current vehicle's financing. I don't see dealership's becoming obsolete. You need service centers too.
Wal-Mart enters car-selling business The nation's largest retailer isgoing into businesswith dealership groups, including AutoNation, the nation's largest new-vehicle retailer. CarSaver, an online auto retail platform, is expected to launch the programApril 1at about 25 Wal-Mart Supercenters in four markets: Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Oklahoma City.(Ad Age)