Technology that’s driving cars: the road ahead for the automobile industry
Buying for a new car? Ten years ago, you would have gone to a car showroom. Just like in movies, most people who bought cars from a standard dealership felt “sold” to by a stereotypical car salesman or women, expressing they wouldn’t be eager to do it again. But with the rise of the internet, buyers are empowered and the car buying transaction doesn’t just happen in the showroom anymore.
Alongside this changing customer journey, digitalization of retail, and thanks to the likes of Mr. Musk’s electric Tesla’s, ride-sharing and the rise of autonomous cars, the automotive industry is sure in for a change…
But if you think car dealerships are dead, think again. The second largest purchase customers do (after house purchases), they would want to touch and feel.
It’s now an experience
Similar to Apple, car buying is becoming a customer retail experience. When buyers engage with your brand online, they want to be entertained. They want to be part of a seamless sequence that takes customers on a journey from one channel to another.
People love their cars
Despite Uber hoping for a world where more people will rely on ride-hailing apps rather than owning a car, it’s not that easy. People have an engrained love and stubborn loyalty for their vehicles. Over 63% of people said they aren’t interested in trading in their vehicles for shared rides, EVEN if those shared rides were free (Autotrader Car Buyer of the Future).
Don’t believe the autonomous hype
The world has become digitally competitive. Customer’s expectations have escalated, and leading car manufacturers have responded by implementing digital assistants in cars. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has bragged that by mid-2020, Tesla’s will be fully capable of autonomous driving. Don’t believe this marketing hype. There are still many ethical issues, regulations and hoops that autonomous vehicles need to drive through which will take many, many years.
People still want that human touch and a place where they can come to grips with how the car will feel to drive. Especially if it’s got autonomous capabilities. We still want to receive expert advice in person and demonstration on what the car can do before we buy, hire or share it.
The car dealership must create a smooth and digitally enhanced customer experience. Our customers won’t wait. Technology is not the end goal, rather it’s the enabler.
About the author
Irfan Tansel: Global Citizen and CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles
After starting his career as an apprentice to become a car mechanic at the age of 15, Irfan Tansel has over 40 years’ experience working for family offices spanning across 3 continents. An entrepreneurial and visionary leader, Irfan is credited for his unique approach to company strategy, culture building within organizations and more recently, succeeding in a challenging market; this year Al Masaood Automobiles gained global recognition for achieving 68% growth after re-strategizing, repositioning on the automotive market and hiring a diverse workforce.
Driven to build a legacy, Irfan has a competitive nature. And, after achieving his goals and reaching the peak of his career, Irfan is determined to inspire tomorrow’s leaders by sharing his career of 4 decades Automotive knowledge.
When Irfan isn’t preparing for a future of disruption as electric cars, connectivity, autonomous vehicles and ride-sharing comes into play, you can find him spending time with his family and playing golf.
For media and keynote inquiries, please email his brand manager Jen at Jen@prestidgegroup.com or call +971 55 719 3601. DOWNLOAD IRFAN’S MEDIA KIT.
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