E-commerce automotive industry
The automotive industry has evolved dramatically over the last several decades, as car sales in the United States have declined and more customers have turned to digital marketplaces. With COVID-19, lockdowns and worldwide supply chain issues led physical automobile sales to collapse. Despite the reduction in overall automobile sales, automotive e-commerce trends rose in 2021 and 2022, since most car purchasers had no other choice.
Times are changing in the automotive industry
In 2021, when business resumed, the surge in online sales continued, as buyers grew acclimated to the convenience of e-commerce solutions. Prior to COVID, around 30% of automobile purchasers in the United States were willing to buy online. That figure in 2021 jumped to a staggering 60%. These figures suggest that the e-commerce automotive industry is here to stay. This is not only relevant for car buyers, but also transactions between automotive businesses like manufacturers and dealerships. Some of the most well-known car manufacturers have focused on their automotive e-commerce market and social media presence like never before.
Your physical and online channels can co-exist
Automotive e-commerce does not have to be a separate procedure. Automotive e-commerce sales are frequently combined with physical sales in this industry. A new automobile, for example, can be purchased in person, and its aftermarket components can be acquired through an auto parts e-commerce portal. Automotive companies, like many other e-commerce businesses, are rapidly adopting an omnichannel strategy to selling, in which customers can utilize both physical and online channels to make an informed purchase.
Steer your customers in the right direction
As more and more people purchase online, manufacturers and distributors have been obliged to respond swiftly. Automotive companies who were unwilling to abandon the tried-and-true approach of physical sales were forced to adapt – whether they were prepared or not. This is a beneficial development for businesses, since the advantages of automotive e-commerce are enormous. With an online business model, automotive companies and dealerships may shape their client experience in a more general and less salesman-dependent manner. A company can improve the purchasing experience by using a B2B e-commerce platform like OrderCentral to create a tailored e-commerce website or webshops. Manufacturers can steer dealerships or part distributors in the correct path, to discover the cars or automotive components they need.
Get rid of the constraints of physical location
E-commerce eliminates geographical restrictions and boosts sales across several marketplaces. Customers can complete their automobile purchasing without having to worry about physical location. An e-commerce strategy enables automakers to enter new markets and sectors, making it more convenient than ever for a wider demographic to shop and purchase from anywhere. With OrderCentral, you can even have separate webshops based on location, so that your customers can only see the parts that are available in their region. Using e-commerce within the auto industry opens new doors, and can help forge relationships with dealers in regions you previously never reached.