Mitsubishi launches 24/7 digital showroom making full online car buying process possible

Dealerships

Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors North America

If you like a Mitsubishi but don't like your local Mitsubishi dealership, there's good news. Today Mitsubishi Motors North America has launched a 24-hour digital showroom on mitsubishicars.com that allows customers to start, pause, restart, and complete the car buying process from the comfort and convenience of their home.

Called ClickShop, the process is designed to make the buying process as click, click, car." It rolls together the ability to browse real-time inventory; build a custom deal, with pre-populated, applicable incentives, including payment, trade, and taxes; submit their credit application and book an in-person or virtual appointment. Customers are also not required to submit their contact information to unlock deals.

"Mitsubishi Motors has so much to be proud of in 2021," said Mark Chaffin, Mitsubishi Motors North America Chief Operating Officer. "We are delivering a bold, capable and stylish lineup of vehicles that will result in one of the freshest showrooms in the industry, and we are delivering a fast, fair and fun car-buying experience to our customers. Tools like ClickShop allow us to deliver on what really matters to the modern customer by using data in a thoughtful, strategic way."

Still wondering how it works? Mitsubishi has a handy video you can watch the explains the process.

Between now and the end of the second quarter of 2021, Mitsubishi Motors will launch three revised vehicles and one all-new, ground-up redesign.

"We want people to feel good about buying a car, after all it is one of the most expensive purchases people will make in their lifetime," said Richard Herod III, White Bear Mitsubishi (White Bear Lake, Minn.) Dealer Principal. "This means we have to meet them where they are, be respectful of their time and sensitive to their budget, and we must be transparent. ClickShop allows us to show up for and support our customers, even before they walk in the door."

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Photo courtesy of Volvo Cars

Volvo promises to be fully electric by 2030, says goodbye to traditional dealership model

Electric Vehicles

Volvo Cars is the latest company to take their commitment to electric powertrains to a new level. Unlike other automakers, like Land Rover who is promising an electric option for its model lineup, Volvo is planning to make their whole lineup electric by 2030.

This means that there will only be all-electric cars and SUVs in its global portfolio and all internal combustion engine and hybrid models will be phased out. By 2025, it aims for 50 percent of its global sales to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. By 2040, the company hopes to be carbon neutral. Nissan has similar goals.

Volvo XC40The Volvo XC40 is currently offered as an all-electric model.Photo courtesy of Volvo Cars

Volvo XC40

Additionally, the brand is rolling out a new commercial strategy that will have them invest heavily in online sales channels in a move to reduce the complexity of its product offerings and set pricing on models, eliminating bargaining at the point of sale, something that the Saturn brand was known for. Via VolvoCars.com buyers will be able to choose from pre-configured electric Volvos that are ready for ordering and quick delivery.

"The future of Volvo Cars is defined by three pillars: electric, online and growth," says Lex Kerssemakers, Head of Global Commercial Operations at Volvo Cars. "We want to offer our customers peace of mind and a care-free way of having a Volvo, by taking away complexity while getting and driving the car. Simplification and convenience are key to everything we do."

Customer offerings will all be housed under one brand, Care by Volvo, which was, until now, the name of the company's subscription service platform.

Dealerships and sales associates still factor into the company's plans. That's good, because many states require new car sales to occur only though an authorized dealership, a point of contention for emerging brands due to the expense and logistic annoyance of establishing a dealer network. Dealerships will be tasked with "a variety of important services such as selling, preparing, delivering and servicing cars" according to a release.

Volvo online ordering and financing process

Volvo online ordering and financing process screenshot
  

Photo courtesy of Volvo Cars

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"Online and off-line need to be fully and seamlessly integrated," added Lex Kerssemakers. "Wherever the customer is in their journey – online, in a showroom, in a Volvo Studio, or driving the car – the customer experience needs to be top-notch."

The purchase of an electric Volvo will include a package of traditional extras including service, warranty, roadside assistance, insurance (where available), and home charging options. Sans the insurance, many electric vehicle manufacturers offer these extras already.

"There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine," said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars. "We are firmly committed to becoming an electric-only car maker and the transition should happen by 2030. It will allow us to meet the expectations of our customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change."

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Ford partners with Cox Automotive to launch new certified used vehicle digital marketplace

Dealerships

Ford Motor Company, its dealers, and Cox Automotive are partnering to create a new, digital used car marketplace. Ford Blue Advantage allows dealers to list and sell certified used vehicles on a single platform, backed by a Ford warranty. Cox Automotive's Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book brands had hands in developing and populating content on the site.

The online marketplace, which features familiar Autotrader styling, allows users to filter vehicles by location, Ford Vehicle Exchange Program eligibility, dealer home services (including test drive at home), price, vehicle history (no accidents, single owner), year, mileage, make, body style, drive type, fuel type, fuel economy, transmission, cylinders, exterior color, interior color, features, doors, and price rating.

The new online marketplace features technology by Autotrader and a familiar design.Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

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"We can now connect the right shopper to the right pre-owned Ford vehicle faster than ever," said Andrew Frick, vice president, U.S. marketing. "Providing a great digital experience is paramount today, but we know customers still want to touch, smell and feel a vehicle before they buy it. Ford Blue Advantage offers the best of both worlds, enabling customers to shop online or come into a dealership, or a combination of both."

The Ford Blue Advantage site features Kelley Blue Book Price Advisor to signify if a vehicle has a Good or Great price. Visitors are also able to see a vehicle's original window sticker.

"At Cox Automotive, we believe that the automotive industry thrives when dealers, consumers and manufacturers are completely connected," said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president, Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. "This philosophy drove us to engineer a uniquely integrated platform for Ford dealers to help simplify, streamline and personalize the car-buying experience for consumers and drive more value."

More than half of Ford's dealerships are currently enrolled in the program.

All vehicles listed on the platform have undergone an inspection by Ford factory-trained technicians. Participating dealers are able to certify vehicles under two different levels, Gold Certified and Blue Certified, covering up to 90 percent of their used-vehicle inventory.

Gold Certified vehicles have passed a 172-point inspection and come with a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty and a seven-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Dealers can certify Ford vehicles up to six years old that have less than 80,000 miles on the odometer as Gold Certified.

Older, Blue Certified vehicles pass a 139-point inspection and come with 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage. Blue Certified models are less than 10 years old and have fewer than 120,000 miles on them. Ford and non-Ford vehicles are eligible for this certification.

Ford promises to run a Carfax Vehicle History Report on every Blue and Gold Certified used vehicle to identify any issues that might not be detected during the inspection.

Gold and Blue Certified vehicles are sold with 24/7 roadside assistance and complimentary FordPass Rewards Points (11,000 points for Blue Certified and 22,000 for Gold Certified) that can be used for future service visits at Ford dealerships. FordPass is the automaker's mobile app. The Rewards Points program allows users to earn rewards by visiting their dealership for service, purchasing a vehicle, and other purchases.

Ford isn't the only automaker making an online sales shift for certified used cars. Honda and Acura recently launched similar sites.

Ford Blue Advantage can be found at FordBlueAdvantage.com.

Photo by Tetra Images/Getty Images

New Monogram service gives Lexus buyers more shopping, purchasing opportunities

Dealerships

The new Lexus Monogram retail experience is designed to provide flexibility to customers whether they're purchasing or just browsing, enabling them to initiate and compete the car buying and financing process from the comfort of their home.

Designed in partnership with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS), the Monogram program puts buying power back in the hands of the customer, shifting to fit their preferences. Customers can choose the path that works best for them by starting their journey online, saving their progress in the "digital garage" to pick up where they left off at the dealer, or completing their purchase at home or at their Monogram dealer.

Lexus Monogram logoLexus has created a new digital purchasing path for customers.Photo courtesy of Lexus

Lexus Monogram logo

The technology integrates with Lexus dealership inventory, allowing the dealerships' customer relationship management system (CRM) to continue to hold weight. It also works directly with the LFS system to allow financing application and acceptance completely online, should the customer choose that path.

"Our goal is to create greater transparency with our guests and efficiency for our dealers – whether that's in the showroom or online," said Andrew Gilleland, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. "From increased flexibility for guests to enhanced technology for our dealers, Monogram provides our brand the tools to anticipate guest expectations today and into the future."

The program is similar to Toyota's SmartPath digital buying experience. It's currently being piloted in select markets with plans to accelerate its availability through 2021. An all-new Monogram complete online experience, which expands to allow customers the ability to complete their purchase online, will roll out market by market starting in Spring 2021.

Lexus has recently added new products to its lineup that customers may want to shop for. The refreshed 2021 Lexus ES is currently on the market, as is the new Lexus LC 500 Convertible. Further revisions to the stable are expected in the coming year.

Photo by fizkes/Getty Images

Toyota rolling out online vehicle purchasing, including financing, nationwide

Dealerships

Not visiting your local Toyota dealership is getting even easier. Toyota Motor North America (TNMA) has revealed the next iteration of its SmartPath retail experience, which allows customers to have the flexibility of doing the entire vehicle purchasing process online, including financing. Volkswagen rolled out a similar program last year.

TMNA worked in partnership with Toyota Financial Services (TFS) on the project, the pace of which was accelerated in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Cox Automotive COVID-19 Digital Shopping Study showing two out of three shoppers are more likely to purchase a vehicle 100 percent online.

The SmartPath service allows customers to choose the right path to ownership for them. They can start their journey online and come back to it later, complete their purchase at a dealership, or complete their purchase entirely online. At no time will SmartPath leave the internet, go to the break room, make a cup of coffee, and pretend to be negotiating a better rate for you.

Toyota SmartPathToyota has laid out a complete path to ownership via online sales.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

"Our goal is to ensure we create the best experience for our customers and our dealers," said Jack Hollis, senior vice president, Automotive Operations, TMNA. "As our customers' expectations evolve, SmartPath provides our dealers the technology to exceed those expectations. Our shared mission is to make the experience of shopping, buying, and owning a Toyota as easy and carefree as driving one."

Currently, SmartPath is available to customers in select markets at more than 50 dealerships. An additional 50 dealerships will go online with the purchasing platform this spring. Toyota intends to aggressively enroll more dealers through 2021.

This year and next are expected to be busy ones for Toyota as they gear up to launch a next-generation Tundra along with other models that have undergone revisions, giving buyers more choices at as they shop online fro their next new vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America

Nissan@Home moves the entire car buying process online (if you want)

Dealerships

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.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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