Can Auto Websites in India Aid in a Purchasing Decision?

Jan 31
07:00

2013

Jenny Jonson

Jenny Jonson

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

It has become passe to find out information about a car by visiting the showroom. The power and reach of internet cannot be ignored. Convenience is the keyword in such a situation.

mediaimage

It has become passe to find out information about a car by visiting the showroom. The power and reach of internet cannot be ignored. Convenience is the keyword in such a situation. With a sea of information available through a single click,Can Auto Websites in India Aid in a Purchasing Decision? Articles visits to car showrooms have definitely reduced. Statistics reveal, “66% of car buyers head online to find out more about the vehicles they are considering, though the vast majority of purchases are still taking place offline. After researching online, 56% of car buyers head for a main dealer, and 20% other dealers and garages.” Keeping the popularity of the growing trend in check, over the years a number of auto websites have come up that have created an impact in different ways.

Carwale’s drive towards success stepped up by positive online customer reviews

Carwale has grown at a phenomenal rate. In the South Asian market, it has established a strong presence. Approximately, the portal has played a role in materializing $3 billion transactions. The portal has also been conferred with a prestigious recognition like Red Herring Asia Top 100. The success of the portal has shown that auto websites have gone the mainstream way. The website has set an example of how to generate revenue from different business lines. It helps in the online generation of leads. It also allows manufacturers and users to sell their used cars. It offers a galore of digital services that have accelerated the growth of the portal. A unique move has been made by the auto website. Mini ERP software has been developed by the portal, which has helped dealers in boosting the efficiency of their operations. This in turn gives Carwale an access to the prices of various cars and the range of automobiles as well. I came across an interesting fact about the portal. It says, “In 2005, CarWale.com became the first website in India to consolidate used car inventory across dealers and present it to car buyers as an online marketplace.”

Zigwheel’s victorious drive

Times of India’s ambitious auto portal has enjoyed a pleasant fan following. It offers a wide variety of services. You can find out about new cars, seek expert advice etc…Loan and Easy Monthly Installments can be calculated as well. The key to a successful portal is innovative content, which is the trademark of the portal. It is a website that provides all kind of details. Comparison allows a person to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing their prospective choice. Some portals do not provide information about all competitive brands, which can hamper a person’s buying process. Consumer ratings indicate that the ease of use aspect of the website has made a difference.

Online customer reviews have favored the equation, Online +offline=Mobile!

Though auto websites have been appreciated, criticism has been levied that the gap between online and offline has affected sales. To bridge the gap, mobile applications are a life saver! To cite an example, Auto trader has launched applications that let a person check a particular model and another similar model. This paves the way for comparison and they can also make note of technical points. Social media has further reduced the gap. Innovative campaigns have led to lead generation. The combination is such that various auto portals have reaped its benefits.

Contradicting Observation!

Throughout the write-up, we have mentioned that auto websites help a person in the purchasing process. They provide appealing videos that can allow the person to get a fair idea about the car. Expert advice is also given to the person regarding various aspects about the car. I read an article on the web that is contradicting to the above statements. It says that the persuasive nature of these portals can change the mind of a customer. It may not lead to any sale. The article states, “…these companies have focused their sites on lower-purchase-funnel activities, such as “build a vehicle,” “get a quote” and “find a dealer,” which do not help answer the majority of questions shoppers have when visiting a manufacturer’s website.”

Another point that can turn tables for these portals is Search Engine Optimization. Combined with reviews, SEO activity can increase the influx of traffic to these portals. Add to this concoction, unique features and a casual visit can turn into a concrete purchase.