Adapting dealerships to the digital-first buyer
The Digital-First Consumer Revolution
Today’s automotive consumers expect digital-first experiences. From instant financing to transparent pricing, the buyer journey in 2025 has shifted almost entirely online. Dealerships that fail to meet these expectations risk losing relevance in a market defined by speed, transparency, and personalization.
Key Market Indicators
0%
research online first
Nearly all consumers review Google ratings, websites, and digital touchpoints before setting foot in a dealership.
0%
of purchase decisions shaped digitally
Email, SMS, and social channels influence buyers well before a test drive is even booked.
0%
of the decision made pre-visit
Buyers now arrive at the dealership with financing pre-approved and a preferred model already chosen.
Industry Insights
The Consumer Disconnect
Modern buyers live in an Amazon-Prime, Netflix-personalised, Apple-store-service world — but most dealerships still rely on week-long response times, generic marketing, and limited online inventory. The gap between what consumers expect and what dealerships deliver has never been wider.