Smart sales go online
Daimler's smart mini-car brand launches Australia's first internet vehicle purchasing platformMercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced what it claims is the nation’s first online vehicle purchasing platform, allowing customers to purchase smart cars entirely on the internet.
Although Subaru’s BRZ sports coupe was available to order online, smart says it is the first automotive brand to enable buyers to purchase vehicles completely online.
“Whilst there have been opportunities for customers with other brands to secure a vehicle online with a deposit, the difference with this platform is that every single detail including calculation of on-road and delivery costs, the amount of the payment in full, service packages and dealer delivery point can be completed via the platform, and won’t be restricted to a specific time period,” said Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific Managing Director, Horst von Sanden.
Smart says it will soon add finance and insurance options to the online sales platform, which Daimler hasn’t ruled out extending to its Mercedes-Benz brand.
Customers can either make payment in full with a credit card or pay a $2000 deposit and complete the balance via Bpay.
Four smart cars have already been sold via the new website (www.buysmartnow.com.au) since it went live last week, with the first purchased by James White from Sydney and will be delivered through Morrison Motors in Chatswood, NSW.
According to smart, White wanted to downsize from his current car to something small, safe and economical and the ability to save time visiting a dealership by completing the entire purchase process online was what appealed most to him.
Smart's buysmartnow.com.au website features technology designed and provided by DataMotive, carsales.com Ltd's business-to-business and data services division.
“We have worked very closely over the last 12 months with DataMotive to develop a user-friendly online platform that enables customers to purchase a smart Fortwo totally online,” said von Sanden.
“This is very exciting for smart which is recognised as an innovative brand and can now add this initiative to its extensive list of firsts.”
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