It’s generally accepted that the automotive industry will change more in the next five to 10 years than it has done in the last 50. But one area where there seems little change is in the way we buy a vehicle. Respected accounting and advisory firm Deloitte has found that 80 per cent of Australians still want to buy their next new vehicle in the traditional way. Deloittes Global Automotive Consumer Study of 21 countries including Australia reports 79 per cent of buyers want personal contact with the dealer when securing a vehicle.

Some people are seeking a virtual experience to maximise convenience, speed and ease of use but most consumers seek a face-to-face experience. Deloittes make the point that while many retail sectors had made a major shift to online buying the automotive industry’s retail business was defying the trend. Put simply, customers still want to touch, smell and drive a vehicle before they buy it.

I’m David Berthon

Click PLAY to listen!

Download this podcast here