Before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world, car dealers used to manage their work through the showrooms by traditionally showcasing car models. But, since the pandemic, this process has transformed as the dealers had to adopt the digital means to sell cars.
A ford dealer in Wichita Falls, Texas, used digital mediums like websites and mobile applications to keep the sales running.
Wichita Falls has always been a hub for technological innovations and finding economical solutions to all needs. It was the foremost city in Texas to purchase motorized trucks in the early years when other cities used animal-drawn wagons. Similarly, in the pandemic era, many car dealers enhanced their businesses by adopting digital ways of marketing their vehicles.
The pandemic impacted all automobile dealerships in some way, but the following points explain three essential and beneficial changes it brought in the whole process of selling vehicles. These impacts have brought convenience, innovation, and economic benefits to people’s lives. You can read about these impacts in the following points:
Digitalization
Earlier, people used to travel all the way to the dealer’s store to check out all the vehicles they had on display. A person would guide them through the information about all the vehicles and give them a test drive. Based on their experience and preference, people would buy the vehicle of their choice. However, this process shifted from tradition to a digital model after the pandemic. Now the dealers showcase their vehicles on their websites along with all the information mentioned with the vehicle. Now the consumer can check the available vehicles, access their information, and shortlist the vehicles based on preference. It helped people save a lot of time and energy because now they don’t have to travel and explore different showrooms to find the best vehicle.
Transparency
Earlier, the whole process of receiving and selling the vehicles was handled manually, which lacked transparency. Many people used to take advantage of this lack of transparency. It was also challenging to keep track of so many vehicles all at once. But with the pandemic, the dealers had to shift this process from offline to online. Initially, it was challenging to manage, but when the workers understood the process, it became much easier for them to keep track of all the vehicles easily. This shift ensured transparency on all levels. For example, a ford dealer in Wichita Falls uses software to keep track of all the vehicles they have for sale and the ones that are sold, along with a track of post-purchase feedback by the customers. Similarly, many other dealers also use software to make their management process more accessible.
Electrification
With continuous technological developments and growing digitalization, there is a noticeable rise in the demand for electric vehicles. The mobility and commute are becoming more electric in their approach from fuel-based. So, people who are seeking sustainable solutions can purchase electric cars. Now, digitalization in dealerships has brought this chance because now the dealers don’t have to keep all the cars in the showroom. They can manage their inventory online and initiate the delivery process online. However, it will take more time to establish this innovation everywhere fully, but it is progressing quickly.
The points mentioned above list three main advantageous impacts of a pandemic on car dealerships. These impacts are digitalization, transparency, and electrification. Even though the pandemic made it difficult for almost everyone to function correctly, it brought significant innovative solutions that made it easy for people to operate from the comfort of their homes.