How can the digital transformation in car dealerships succeed?

Digitalization is of great importance for car dealerships because it is directly linked to current changes in the automotive industry. One key factor is the switch to electromobility. This change not only affects vehicle sales, but is also changing the service business, as many electric vehicles require less maintenance than combustion engines. This has an impact on workshops and the way in which car dealerships interact with their customers.

At the same time, we are observing another trend: more and more vehicle manufacturers are trying to establish direct sales in order to sell vehicles without intermediaries. This development is putting pressure on the traditional sales structures of car dealerships, as they are faced with new competition and have to reposition themselves.

In addition, customer behavior has changed fundamentally: The number of physical visits to the dealership is continuously decreasing. Customers are increasingly researching online before they even visit a dealership. The first point of contact is often the dealership’s website, where they find out about offers, prices and services. This means that car dealerships need to significantly expand and improve their online presence in order to remain visible.

In addition, price pressure due to the ability to directly compare prices and services online means that car dealerships are forced to prove their competitiveness not only in the local dealership, but also in the digital space. Customers expect transparency and a seamless, convenient experience – both online and offline.