Survey Shows Car Buyers UseInternet For Information (NAPS)—The atmosphere for car buyers has taken a turn for the better. Savvy car buyers have taken to the Internet. Almost half of all new car and truck buyers use the Internetfirst to do their homework. But they still view dealers as the best source of infor- mation for making smart deci- sions, according to a new survey conducted by the Gallup Organization on behalf of Automotive Retailing Today. As a result, new vehicle buyers are more informed than ever before. By the time they set foot on the showroom floor, they have While the Internet plays an extremely important role in the a very good idea of what they transaction it doesn’t replace the information received at a visit to the dealership. for everybody,” says John Peter- only eight percent of all con- The survey found that Internet on a vehicle price, three percent to fill out the necessary paperwork, has nearly doubled in the past two years. Forty-four percent of con- pick-up ordelivery. Other results of the survey want and how muchtheyare prepared to pay. “That’s good news son, Chairman of Automotive Retailing Today. use in the car-buying experience sumers who purchased a vehicle in the past 18 months went online to help guide their purchasedecision, compared with 26 percent who used the source during previous purchases. Still, the survey found that 62 percent said the visit to the dealership was the most useful sumers used the Internet to agree and two percent arranged for include: 85 percent reported a positive experience in buying a vehicle; e 44 percent indicated they were very or extremely positive about the experience; 94 percent were satisfied source of information in the pur- with the dealership they purchasedor leased from; and While the Internet is playing an increasingly important role in extremely satisfied. e Surprisingly, women are chase decision. the transaction, it doesn’t replace the need for the hands-on experience at the dealership. Informa- e 75 percent said they were more satisfied than men with their auto purchasing experience. Automotive Retailing Today is tion most sought on the Internet by consumers included price (88 a coalition that includesall major automobile manufacturers and percent), and comparisons among different makes and models (68 promote a better understanding of percent), options and color (86 percent). The survey showed that dealer organizations. It works to the industry and build stronger customerrelationships. * Survey conducted by The Gallup Organization, July, 2000
