Lockdown Distancing Has These Carmakers Switching To Online Car Sales

 The lockdown came at a time when carmakers in India were struggling to sell their existing BS4 stock before the BS6 deadline. But due to the lockdown, it is impossible to visit a dealership let alone purchase a car. In the middle of all this, some carmakers have found a solution in the form of online contactless sales platforms by integrating their vast sales network. Like everything, the COVID-19 pandemic will also pass but online car buying is a welcome addition as it redefines the entire customer experience. 

Hyundai India

Hyundai’s ‘Click to Buy’ online purchasing platform was only limited to the NCR region before. But Hyundai has now rolled out the services across India by integrating over 500 dealerships. Hyundai’s complete lineup of cars starting with the Santro to the 2020 Creta, Verna and even the Tucson can be configured, booked, and purchased online. Hyundai will also deliver the car to your doorstep through the dealership nearest to your location. You can finance your purchase through the portal. Hyundai recently made headlines when it donated Rs 5 crore to Tamil Nadu CM’s relief fund. 

Tata Motors

Tata calls its online sales platform, ‘Click to Drive’. Tata has partnered with 750-plus dealerships to make the purchase experience pleasant for its customers. That said, a home delivery option is expected to be introduced at a later stage. All models of Tata are available on the portal from Tiago to the new Harrier BS6. You can select a car, watch a video brochure, and go ahead and book it. The whole process from booking and financing to payment is completely digital. 

MG Motor India

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MG’s Disinfect and Deliver program aims to disinfect and sanitize cars, car deliveries, and test drives. But along with this, the carmaker has also digitized the purchasing process. You can book either the Hector or the ZS EV online and get the car delivered to your doorstep. MG has also informed that its customer service executives are working from home. The carmaker also donated a sum of Rs 2 crore to the Indian government for the fight against coronavirus.

BMW India

BMW calls its online car buying tool, Contactless Experience. As the name suggests, customers can go to the web portal, select, configure, buy, and even get the car delivered to their home. BMW has incorporated an online configurator to personalise the car’s colour, trim, engine, upholstery, alloy, and other special options. The dealership nearest to your location will then assist you with queries and financing options. Once the documentation is complete, the car will be thoroughly sanitized and delivered to your doorstep.

Renault

Renault has also launched its ‘Book Online Pay Later’ program wherein a customer can book any Renault vehicle from the website or its dedicated My Renault app without paying the booking amount. The carmaker lets you make a booking now, and is giving you the option to pay the booking amount later.

Honda India

Honda calls it ‘Honda from Home’, a booking platform where you can purchase anything from the Amaze and the Civic to the CR-V. Basically, you can buy a Honda in 5 steps starting with logging in to the portal. After logging in, you can select the model and preferred dealership location. Once that is done, you’ll need to share your details and book the car online. After that, you will be contacted by a sales representative of the preferred dealership to guide you through the rest of the process. Once the payment and paperwork is completed, Honda will deliver the car to you. 

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has integrated its nationwide sales network of 137 dealerships and 116 service touchpoints to offer its customers a digital experience. Currently, you can buy a Polo, Vento, T-Roc and Tiguan Allspace from Volkswagen India’s website. You can select a model, fill in your details, and choose the preferred dealership. A sales representative will then guide you, making this whole process seamless. For service, customers can fill in details and select a timeslot. Volkswagen is also offering pick-up and drop off services for customers. Further, the whole process will be authenticated through an OTP by the preferred dealership. 

Mercedes-Benz India

Mercedes’ Merc From Home’ has integrated its nationwide dealerships so you can book, buy, and get your Mercedes delivered by simply going online. Mercedes has added its entire portfolio, including the AMG lineup, to the campaign. The services went live in January with used cars and now, it has been modified to include new cars. Apart from booking, purchase and delivery, Mercedes is also enabling customisation options, live consultation services, and even a concierge service, which will be up and running between 10am and 12am.