Automakers and their dealers are scrambling to offer consumers new car-buying solutions in light of … [+]
If you were planning to purchase a new car or truck this weekend, you might be disheartened, discouraged, and maybe ready to give up. But don’t give up yet. Even if you’re one of the millions on lockdown across the country, you can still buy a car this weekend and perhaps even take delivery. Plus, you might discover that the deal you get this weekend could be one of the best transactions you’ll make in your life.
First, while you might believe buying a new car online is just a pipe dream, the current situation is prompting car dealers to get serious about their online sales and marketing efforts. For instance, many General Motors-affiliated dealers offer GM’s “Shop. Click. Drive.” Program that enables customers to browse dealerships’ inventory on computers and mobile device 24 hours a day.
Through a variety of automaker-sponsored and individual dealer efforts like GM’s, consumers have the ability to choose a specific car, estimate the trade-in value of their current vehicle, obtain financing, and settle on a final price for the new vehicle. Virtually everything you could do in a dealership, you can also do using these online tools…and probably in a lot less time. While at this point you might be itching to get out of the house, we’re pretty certain you don’t want to spend hours in a car dealership.
Buying a car online is a good solution to the current situation that has many people self-isolating.
Once you’ve chosen your deal and settled on the price, you can schedule a handsfree delivery at your home or pick up the vehicle at a dealership that uses Centers for Disease Control sanitation measures and social distancing guidelines. Just be ready to catch the key fob when the dealer tosses it to you.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, third-party auto information source TrueCar has just launched its “Buy from Home” program. On its website and app, “Buy from Home” badging identifies TrueCar-certified dealers who offer remote paperwork processing, home vehicle delivery, and verified vehicle sanitization.
“Starting today, consumers will be able to easily identify dealers offering these ‘Buy from Home’ features within the TrueCar experience,”said Mike Darrow, president and CEO of TrueCar.
Are you a person who simply won’t buy a car until they test drive it? If you are, you should know about a new service called Doppler. It’s one part proprietary technology platform and one-part specialist car-delivery network that enables carmakers and dealers to offer personalized, on-demand test drives anywhere at any time. While Doppler is so new to the market that not many dealers have yet adopted it, its growth could be rapid as the current crisis unfolds.
While millions of Americans are on lockdown showrooms are still open in many parts of the country. … [+]
While new solutions are quickly gaining traction in this new environment, car dealers across the country are also resorting to simple blocking-and-tackling efforts that include new emphasis on cleanliness and social distancing. Even in many areas in which consumers are advised to stay home, dealers are open to perform service, which is frequently considered to be an “essential service.” Further new-car showrooms remain open for business in many localities, while showroom traffic is down.
Carmakers are trying to do their part to ward off a catastrophic fall in car sales, service and parts revenue by creating aggressive new sales incentive programs. Here is a look at what some major auto manufacturers are offering consumers right now:
American Honda
The Honda and Acura “90 Days to First Payment Program” features a 90-day deferral of the first payment on all new vehicle sales financed by Acura or Honda Financial Services for qualifying retail customers. Additionally,“Loyalty Purchase Assistance Cash” contributes $500 towards the purchase or lease of a new Acura model and $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new Honda model with some exclusions.
Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles
The maker of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, and Ram Trucks is offering zero-percent financing for up to 84 months on a variety of vehicles from its various brands. Chrysler has zero-percent financing for 60 months on its bread-and-butter 2020 Chrysler Pacifica minivans as well. Other Fiat-Chrysler brands are offering deferred payments for 90 days on many 2019 and 2020 models.
Ford Motor Company
Ford is offering eligible new car buyers up to six months of payment relief in its new “Built to Lend a Hand” program. On new-vehicle purchases Ford will pay for three months and customers can defer their first payment for three months before they begin to pay. The program is for qualified buyers purchasing new 2019 and 2020 model year vehicles with the exception of 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty.
General Motors
The maker of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles is offering well-qualified customers 84-month interest-free financing on a variety of models. In addition, buyers can defer the first payment for up to 120 days on most 2019 models still in stock and on many popular 2020 models.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America’s Assurance Job Loss Protection is a revival of a program first launched during the Great Recession. Hyundai will make up to six months of payments for new owners who lose their jobs due to health issues this year and have purchased or leased their vehicles between March 14 and April 30. The brand is also offering zero-percent financing and three months of deferred payments on select new vehicles through April.
Kia Motors
Customers who finance their vehicle purchase through Kia Motors Finance may qualify for a 120-day payment deferral and zero-percent financing.
Nissan
Nissan buyers have the opportunity to opt for 90-day deferred payments on 60- and 72-month loans. Buyers must meet requirements and be retail customers.
Subaru
Subaru is offering zero-percent financing for up to 63 months in many of the areas of the country. The 2020 Subaru Ascent, Forester, Outback, Legacy and Impreza are included in the promotion.
Toyota
Toyota brand is promoting its vehicles on a regional and local basis while its “We’re Here for You” television ad focuses on families and future days ahead rather than the current crisis.
However you shop and obtain vehicle service make certain you abide by the health restrictions and suggestions in your area. It is up to all of us to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
