Looks like the new normal forced upon us by the pandemic will require a different approach to selling cars, at least they think so in the UK.
Citroen has unveiled a new template for doing business that will see the entire purchase process conducted online, with the customer’s new car delivered directly to their doorstep.
Protective covers will be used for the steering wheel, gear stick, driver’s seat and floor mat, while the delivery driver will clad in gloves, a face mask and safety glasses.
The car’s controls and steering wheel will also be disinfected prior to handover.
But here’s the tricky bit . . . customers will be “informed” they have to wait three hours before entering the vehicle.
Citroën says it wants to deliver a ‘comfortable’ experience for customers adjusting to the what is fast becoming the ‘New Normal’.
Managing Director of Citroën UK, Eurig Druce, said the company prides itself on delivering high standards of automotive comfort and of being a people minded brand.
“These exciting new developments are entirely consistent with our brand promise – a comfortable new way to interact with us alongside convenience, reassurance and fantastic value,” Druce said.
“Citroën continues to be inspired by its customers. Inspire Par Vous.”
A range of website-based services include a new Stock Locator system that offers prospective buyers access to physical stock across the country, together with an enhanced, online reservation system.
It allows customers to select a specific stock vehicle and reserve it on the spot.
Only unsold cars and vans are listed, stocked by Citroën and its dealer network in the UK, and available for immediate delivery.
A vehicle can be reserved with a £99 refundable deposit and will be held for a maximum of five days.
Available on stock vehicles only, Citroën UK aims to make customers’ lives easier with a ‘comfortable’ consumer offer including:
- £1000 additional deposit contribution
- Free serving for 2 years with new vehicles
- Deferred monthly payments for 3 months (5.9% APR representative)
Citroen says retail customers can benefit from complete peace-of-mind. knowing their routine servicing costs are already taken care of, and their comfortable new Citroën will require no monthly payments for the first three months.
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