The United States’ online car-buying market is fast growing. The industry has dynamic trends that attract investors to compete for market share.
This article highlights the most significant trends in the automotive e-commerce industry. It analyzes the major factors contributing to its growth and unfolds how car shipping relates to the market’s growth.
The Beginnings of Automotive E-commerce
A few years ago, the automotive industry was nowhere near generating considerable revenue from online car and aftermarket parts sales. However, the market landscape has significantly transformed with the advent of digital car marketplaces that promise great expanding potential.
Several industry changes forced manufacturers and retailers to adopt new, more effective business solutions to save their businesses from declining demand and sale rates. That is primarily what the automotive market experienced during the pandemic due to lockdown and heightened fuel prices.
Automotive e-commerce was the ultimate answer to addressing market challenges at that time, and it started to gain traction at the outset of COVID-19. However, this trend continued growing consistently even after lifting pandemic restrictions, as customers preferred the ease and convenience of online buying platforms.
In 2021, the online car market sales generated were between US$256 billion and US$261.9 billion, with 61% of U.S. car buyers open to buying online. These figures indicate an ever-growing trend for automotive e-commerce, leading organizations to shift gears toward online platforms.
Automotive E-commerce Trends and Updates
According to market research, the U.S. auto and parts retail e-commerce sales are expected to reach $182.48 billion by 2026, while the global automotive e-commerce market is projected to hit $213.08 billion by 2029.
This is no surprise since the online car-buying market is split, with various players competing for market share. The key players in this market are online marketplaces, traditional car dealerships, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Moreover, the major trends in the automotive e-commerce industry, such as A.R. showrooms, omnichannel presence, and innovation, significantly generate revenue. Here is a breakdown of each:
- A.R. showrooms: Implementing AR showrooms has increased customers’ experience and interaction with products to an unprecedented level. This technology recreates a lifelike experience for customers to examine the car’s features from their home comfort.
- Omnichannel presence: Embracing omnichannel sales approaches is becoming popular among car dealerships and manufacturers. This method helps them meet customers’ expectations. Many studies show that over 50% of car buyers begin the shopping journey online; this means that establishing a solid digital presence across customers’ channels, such as mobile apps and websites, must be prioritized while providing a seamless shopping experience.
- Innovation: Introducing hybrid, electric, and autonomous vehicles has fueled competition in the automotive e-commerce realm. The rising demand for eco-friendly vehicles drives market growth. It urges digital retailers to deliver innovative offerings, including services and financial options.
Top Factors for Automotive E-Commerce Growth
Online auto shopping is a better alternative to visiting multiple dealerships and dealing with traditional negotiations.
It offers consumers wide selections to browse from the comfort of their homes, giving them detailed insights through comparing specifications and researching reviews. This results in consumers finding a car that matches their needs without being limited to the offerings of one single dealership.
More importantly, online car-buying platforms have detailed and transparent information about each vehicle, such as specifications, history reports, pricing, and customer reviews. This treatment encourages buyers to make the right decisions and avoid hidden costs or surprises.
The Role of Car Shipping in Mainstreaming Online Car Sales
The car shipping industry has an important role in the growth and expansion of online car sales. Car shippers close the gap between buyers and sellers by providing secure and reliable transportation for purchased vehicles.
Addressing Logistical Challenges
Buying a car from an online seller involves coordinating transportation arrangements, which is where car shipping services step in. Car shipping services solve logistical challenges that may come across by taking care of the transportation process from A to Z.
Enhancing Accessibility
Car shipping removes geographic barriers between sellers and buyers, expanding the accessibility of online car sales for all. As a result, buyers can purchase cars from sellers across the country without worrying about how to ship a car.
This increased accessibility gives buyers more convenience to find the perfect car, regardless of location, without compromising their choice or settling for limited options.
Streamlining the Buying Process
Car shipping regulates online car buying by providing a smooth experience for buyers and sellers. Buyers can finalize the purchase online and let the car shipping company of their choosing handle the rest. This eliminates the need to deal with the complexities of arranging transportation, significantly reducing time and effort when completing the transaction.
Ensuring Secure Delivery
Car shipping companies employ professional shippers and carefully vetted transportation methods to ensure the safe and secure delivery of vehicles. After all, buyers need peace of mind when purchasing cars sight unseen, and car shippers are trustworthy enough to deliver their investment in pristine condition.
Tempus Logix is a professional nationwide car shipping company with over eight years of experience shipping all vehicle types across the states.
Conclusion
Several factors impact automotive e-commerce growth, bringing car buyers more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable experiences. Most important is the pivotal role car shipping plays in mainstreaming online car sales, contributing to the constantly growing automotive e-commerce market.