General Motors going for e-commerce

Combining online and local service

The new system is called Shop-Click-Drive and combines the ease of online shopping with the
service of a local dealership, according to producer of the Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac. Customers
can see online which cars are available
at a dealership and can ask questions directly if they want to. If they are
interested in a specific car, they can draw up an offer with one click.

Using the payment calculator, a customer can assemble a car, choosing the
options and accessories he desires. Happy with the summary, he can then
print and sign the deal. The car
will then be delivered to his doorstep, with a final test run giving the
customer a chance to try the car before deciding to buy it. Only a handful of
dealerships currently have the system up and going so far, most of which are in Michigan.

GM is not the only car manufacturer heading for e-commerce, as BMW is
selling its all-electric i3 online and Mercedes’s parent company Daimler
will offer a limited set of cars online in the near future. Not every dealership
is happy with this specific evolution, fearing the loss of clientele
and turnover.