How you buy a car has changed drastically in the light of COVID-19 and automakers quickly worked to implement online sales and alternative test drive opportunities. Nissan is joining Volkswagen in offering customers the opportunity to purchase a vehicle without ever having to leave their home.

Nissan@Home is a complete online shopping experience for customers. A buyer can schedule and complete a test drive, manage the purchase process, take delivery, and handle service needs from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The customer can transition the buying process into a Nissan dealership at any time during the process or complete the deal from a remote location - anywhere they have internet access.

The Nissan@Home program is available via any internet-connected device.Photo courtesy of Nissan North America

Nissan@Home will roll out to participating Nissan dealerships in the U.S. over the next several months. If your preferred dealership has not opted in, you may have to visit the dealership to complete the purchasing process.

"Nissan@Home gives customers what they're asking for – the ability to purchase a vehicle on their terms," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, ecommerce. "Through this new program, Nissan dealers can provide a better customer experience which can, in turn, help improve their own business performance. It's an important first for Nissan, and a great value to our customers."

Ahead of the nationwide rollout seven Nissan dealerships participate in a test of the concept in Virginina, Michigan, Texas, Florida, and Illinois: Banister Nissan of Chesapeake, Banister Nissan of Norfolk, Coral Springs Nissan, Douglass Nissan of Waco, Jeffrey Nissan, Tamaroff Nissan, and Uftring Nissan.

"You see what's happening now with holiday shopping. Online buying is massive and absolutely what today's consumer is wanting. COVID-19 has only increased that demand," said Dan Banister, owner of Banister Nissan of Chesapeake and Banister Nissan of Norfolk, both in Virginia. "It was remarkable what we found during the test this summer. Our sales close-rate nearly doubled with customers who used this online shopping solution."

Currently, Nissan's Digital Retailing Solution remains available to customers of the pilot dealerships. Additional Nissan dealerships can now enroll which could enable availability to Nissan customers throughout the U.S. by this spring.