Something which has been apparent during the lockdown is the importance of online sales and one of the areas of life where only one company has really got it nailed is the automotive industry and selling cars online. Tesla has been doing this for ages and ages, you can now configure a Tesla online, pay/set up finance and have the car delivered or arrange to collect it.

Ford is looking to offer a “fully online sales” system this year, according to Auto Express, who spoke to Ford today. Andy Barrat, head of Ford of Britain spoke to Auto Express and confirmed the company is planning to start offering online sales in the summer.

Ford’s plans to offer this has been accelerated, due to the demands of lockdown and as a result, physical retail stores were closed.

“Without a doubt – adversity has created opportunity. It’s allowed us to re-engineer our processes and get the dealers along. Some dealers were always digitally enabled, some were slightly slower in their ramp up, but everyone has accelerated that through. Without a doubt – adversity has created opportunity. It’s allowed us to re-engineer our processes and get the dealers along. Some dealers were always digitally enabled, some were slightly slower in their ramp up, but everyone has accelerated that through.”

Andy Barrat – Head of Ford of Britain

The new online portal will operate similar to what Tesla offer, customers will able to spec up a new car, agree on finance if needed – the information will get sent through to a dealer who will be able to deliver the car to the customer.

Source: Auto Express