Online car searches skyrocket

FE Desk

A staggering 80 per cent of new car and almost 100 per cent of used car customers begin their car shopping experience online, enabling buyers to find their dream car at any hour of the day.

Carmudi analysed millions of visits to the company's car classifieds website, and the data shows that car buyers around the world, including Bangladeshare predominantly searching for cars late at night, a statement of the company said.

Late night car searches is a growing trend with more than 40% of global car buyers now searching for cars between five pm and midnight. With ecommerce booming, and increasing use of mobile phones to make purchases online, how we buy major goods is shifting. Traditionally, consumers bought a car after visiting several dealers and test driving dozens of vehicles.  With the average car dealer closing by 6pm, car buyers are now able to save valuable time by researching car brands, and shopping for the best price from the comfort of their own home. From arranging test drives to applying for financing, the majority of the purchasing cycle takes place online. Dealers continue to play a vital role in the process, particularly when it comes to test driving.

Another insight gleaned from the Carmudi data shows that car consumers are transitioning from searching for vehicles on a desktop, to using mobile apps, most notably in the evening hours. During working hours, only 15% of consumers visit Carmudi via the mobile app, but from 6pm to midnight more than 55% of visitors search for cars on their mobile app, as opposed to their computer.