Meghana KandraVolkswagen announced a new program for its ID.4 vehicles. They will be able to test drive the vehicle with the help of Amazon Alexa. This test drive process will be in addition to the buy9ing process at the dealership. Instead of awkward and uncomfortable situations for the buyer with a salesman, the Alexa feature can be utilized.
Image credits- InsideEVs
They want to show you every feature and can overwhelm you with information while you just want to think, use the vehicle, and consider making one of the most significant purchases in your life. Volkswagen hopes to minimize this awkward and uncomfortable experience by removing the salesman from the experience and in their place using Amazon Alexa.
After one makes a reservation online, they will meet with a Volkwagen specialist who will show them around the vehicle’s exterior and answer any questions, then, you will get in the VW ID.4 (the only vehicle the program is available in), and Alexa will take over. During the test drive, Alexa will answer technical questions, explain how to use vehicle features, and allows one to explore the vehicle at their own pace.
The unique test drive experience
Volkswagen is not the first vehicle seller to overhaul its buying experience. Carmax recently updated their test drive system to allow potential customers to take out a vehicle for a whole day, removing the salesmen from the environment and allowing for the best experience for customers; to be left alone. Other manufacturers are looking to implement more changes outside of the test drive. Ford’s most recent dealer meeting has strong-armed dealers into accepting a new no-negotiation pay structure and a more transparent customer buying experience. At the same time, GM’s numerous brands have been working to revitalize their dealer network, going as far as buying out dealers who don’t want to modernize.
All in all, there seems to be a convergence of buying experiences from many automakers and sellers. While many have been reticent to implement direct-to-consumer models like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, they are changing their existing models to a more streamlined and direct approach that mimics these startup brands. All in all, there seems to be a convergence of buying experiences from many automakers and sellers. While many have been reticent to implement direct-to-consumer models like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, they are changing their existing models to a more streamlined and direct approach that mimics these startup brands. Ford’s strategy differs from that of General Motors, which has offered buyouts to Buick and Cadillac dealers who wish not to invest in electric vehicles.