FCA Canada is the first OEM in the country to provide a multi-faceted, online retailing solution that makes it easier for consumers to begin a vehicle purchase digitally.
The new digital retailing solution was developed collaboratively between FCA Canada and Dealertrack Canada and includes innovative dealer website enhancements that deliver a more efficient, secure and transparent on-line process for vehicle purchases.
Initially, the enhancements will include the ability to pre-qualify and apply for financing on both new and used vehicles, plus an enhanced payment estimator for an actual vehicle in-inventory. FCA is working to offer additional features such as a trade-in estimator, as well as the ability to reserve a vehicle with a deposit and purchase service packages.
According to a recent Google Stats survey, (https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/articles/what-we-learned-about-canadian-car-buyers-from-in-moment-research.html) time, technology and transparency are the three key trends guiding consumer behavior with online purchases. Further, 90 percent of Canadian new vehicle shoppers use online tools and resources in the purchase process.
This high-tech tool will significantly reduce the time involved with the purchase of a vehicle and will actually initiate a formal purchase agreement. Customers will still need to complete the final purchase transaction at a local dealership.
“Today’s consumers have high expectations from their online experience,” said Bill Levasseur, Vice President Sales & Marketing, FCA Canada. “They are extremely well-informed and want control to purchase quickly, with security, accuracy and transparency. Our goal with the dealer website enhancements is to make the car buying experience easier by providing useful, integrated tools which simplify the process and provide consumers peace of mind.”
“Dealertrack Canada is very excited by this partnership and together, with the goal to facilitate a more efficient and satisfactory buying experience for both consumers and FCA dealers in Canada,” said Richard Evans, Vice President and General Manager, Dealertrack Canada. “There is a rapid shift in consumer demand for a digital assisted buying process and additionally our Digital Retailing technology will support buyers while helping drive added volume sales for FCA retailers nationally.”
This marks the first time that Dealertrack Canada has partnered with an OEM since revealing its digital retailing technology to the Canadian market earlier in January. The enhanced websites will be offered by participating dealers (roughly 90 percent of FCA dealerships in Canada).
