10:46 am, October 1, 2014
HYUNDAI will be collaborating with Rockar to open the first digital car retailer this November.
Figures show that customers visit a car dealership just 1.3 times before they purchase a car. Plus, 93 per cent of all new car buyers conduct their research online and only step on the forecourt when they wish to sign on the dotted line.
Rockar Hyundai claim their new system will integrate in-store, online and mobile platforms to deliver a car shopping experience unlike any other. They will open their first store in Bluewater shopping centre but also say that if a customer does not want to speak to a sales person they won’t have to.
Rockar Hyundai say they will provide car buyers with an all-encompassing online and in-store service that will allow them to research, test-drive and get a price for their old car. Then they can choose a how to pay, purchase and service their new car all at the touch of a button.
Tony Whitehorn, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, said: ‘I am delighted to be able to announce today the launch of Rockar Hyundai in early November 2014. Rockar Hyundai is a highly innovative and enticing addition to our existing Dealer Network. It offers the consumers an easy and flexible alternative to buying and owning a car without undermining the strength and infrastructure within our existing sales network. It is unprecedented in the UK Automotive Industry and is the shape of things to come.
‘Hyundai UK is developing a more integrated approach towards the way we retail cars, reflecting the changing ways in which people shop and the use of technology in the retail environment. Rockar Hyundai is an integral part of this, and to our continuous commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience across our entire business.’
Simon Dixon, founder of Rockar.com, said: ‘I have been working with a dedicated team on this exciting customer proposition for the last two years. It has been driven, not only by our automotive retail experience, but by extensive customer research and a deep understanding of the evolving retail environment.
‘It is clear from research that customers buying a new car can find it an intimidating process. Rockar’s vision is simple – to ensure that the Customer is truly at its heart and feels empowered throughout the process. I am delighted that Hyundai and Bluewater have had the foresight to partner with Rockar on this exciting retail journey.’
Let us know what you think – are digital dealerships the future?
