Auto firms adopt online channels to drive market penetration

To mitigate the challenges posed by the outbreak of the coronavirus especially in Nigeria, auto firms in the country have adopted Information Technology (IT) systems to reach out to more Nigerians for market penetration.

With the Federal and some state governments entrenching physical and social distancing rules to limit human physical contacts to curb the spread of the virus, The Guardian gathered that automotive dealers opted to leverage online channels to increase sales, book test-drives and boost virtual buying experience.

Despite the recent lockdown which affected most businesses, auto dealers were still updating their customers with up-to-date information of vehicular needs through their respective electronic channels.

Hence, the firms are improving on their online platform to continue to provide services to car enthusiasts online despite the challenging business atmosphere created by COVID-19.

Already, industry stakeholders have commended the initiative as it is seen as very timely, coming at a time of restricted movements as a result of measures put in place by the government to check the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stallion Group has promised to continue to provide seamless and quality services to its customers with the launch of a portal that virtually takes the car showrooms of different brands to homes and offices.

The portal, www.stallionafricar.com, is a multi-brand website covering Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Changan and Porsche in the range of Stallion Motors.

According to her, with the launch of this, which is now available for browsing, customers can sit in the comfort of their homes and offices and get full highlights of all the aforementioned brands and their models.
Speaking with The Guardian, General Manager in charge of Marketing for the Group, Arpita Roy Luthra, said with the launch, which is now available for browsing, customers can sit in the comfort of their homes and offices and get full highlights of all the aforementioned brands and their models.

Luthra said the initiative places the potential customer in a vantage position for a complete showcase of features, specifications, aesthetics, as well as the price to enable consumers to make an informed decision for the best option in their budget.

She added that the portal, which is novel in the local auto industry, enables customers to book a test drive, book for servicing, request a formal quote and engage in live chat.

The portal’s live chat section is at the bottom right where users can chat with the Relationship Manager to experience a showroom like treatment.

Checks by The Guardian on the portal, which is user friendly, indicates that some of the models that can be viewed, booked for a test drive or outrightly purchased include-Nissan Patrol, Nissan Almera, Nissan Kicks, Nissan new Qashqai, Nissan new X-Trail, Nissan NP300 Pickup, Nissan NV350 Urvan, Nissan Civilian and Nissan Patrol.

From the Hyundai brand are-the all-new Palisade, Grand Xcent, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Venue, Creta, Tucson, Santa Fe, and the H1 bus.

Honda has the HRV, City, Accord, CR-V and Pilot; while customers can also buy the Changan CS 95, Alsvin V3, Eado, CS 35, CS 55 and the CS 75.

Also, the Porsche Cayenne models, Boxster models, Carrera models, Macan models, Panamera models and the Taycan models.

The company also intends to further expand the scope of the portal with plans to incorporate a section for Exchange Offer on Pre-owned Cars.

Similarly, Kia Motors Nigeria have restructured its services and operations to conform to the new realities.

At the heart of this new normal is the concern for its customers’ service delivery. Premised on this, the core of its operational change is to cater to the needs of our customers.

To this end, Marketing Manager, Dana Motors Limited, Jimoh Olawale, said the company its online service centres to engage customers in the comfort of their homes.

This according to him will comfort customers and reassure them of the company’s commitment to always cater to their vehicular needs.

He said the auto firm in addition to maintaining a good relationship with its customers, provided maintenance tips on how to care for their cars while it’s parked and also virtually provided support for some of the customers who are essential workers.

Others, such as Coscharis Motors, Massila Motors have also joined the fray.