Projections for 2030 and Beyond: the Future of Car Buying




In the years leading up to 2030, the car-buying landscape is changing dramatically. The ways that cars are purchased, sold, and maintained are changing as a result of new business models, evolving technology, and shifting consumer tastes. We’ll examine major trends and forecasts that will likely shape the future of automobile purchasing in this blog article, using information from a recent podcast with industry expert Steve Greenfield from the CarDealershipGuy as well as corroborating academic studies.

 

Let’s explore what the upcoming ten years may bring for both customers and dealerships.

 

Subscription models’ effects on car ownership

 

The idea of owning a car is being challenged by the rise of subscription services for vehicles. McKinsey & Company research suggests that customers may soon be able to subscribe to a range of vehicles and only pay for the things they really use. Dealerships now have the chance to provide clients with more individualized and customizable experiences, thanks to this change. It does, however, also add complexity to the evaluation and sale of cars with subscribed services.

 

Unbundling car features and giving consumers more options

 

As car features become more independent of one another, the idea of features on demand is gaining popularity. Customers have the option of paying in full upfront or on a monthly basis for items like cold weather packages, heated seats, and fully autonomous driving. The flexibility and control that consumers have over their driving experience is increased when they can activate or disable features as needed.

 

The Value of Updates Received Over-The-Air (OTA)

 

The process of servicing and maintaining automobiles will also be revolutionized by OTA updates. Reductions in warranty and recall work may be observed by dealerships with the capability to remotely update software.

 

MOVE TO A SOFTWARE-DRIVEN DEALERSHIP SITUATION

 

Dealerships could have to adjust to a software-driven environment, emphasizing hardware compatibility and OTA update deployment optimization. Technicians’ responsibilities may expand to include data analysis and software knowledge, which would improve client service even further.

 

The Difficulties of Pricing and Marketing Automobiles with Feature Subscriptions

 

The move toward subscription features creates special difficulties for used car valuation and sales. Features that might be turned off when ownership changes must be taken into consideration by appraisers and dealers. Dealers need to know which features will stay active for resale, and customers need to feel confident that all of their subscriptions are canceled when trading in the automobile.

 

VERIFYING AND PRESENTING PUBLICATIONS’ FEATURES

 

It might be necessary for dealers to create procedures for verifying subscription cancellations, giving details on available features, and showcasing these advantages to prospective customers. This procedure might be made more efficient with the creation of a single clearinghouse store for all information related to window stickers.

 

Augmented Reality’s (AR) Place in Vehicle Maintenance

 

The Apple Vision Pro is but a taste of things to come, and the automotive sector may be significantly impacted. The abilities and productivity of car technicians could be improved by AR technology.

 

During maintenance, AR can offer real-time assistance that lets technicians see the best repairs and get detailed instructions. AR has the potential to be a valuable tool for technician training and upskilling, providing them with the necessary information to adapt to the changing automotive industry.

 

Dealerships may be able to increase the productivity and efficiency of their technicians by investing in AR technologies. When technicians use AR technology, they can provide better-quality repairs and services, which increases client loyalty and happiness.

 

Expectations of Customers for Openness in Insurance and Financing

 

Customers are expecting more and more clarity from dealerships when it comes to their finance and insurance offerings. Expectations for transparency in finance rates, insurance premiums, and coverage options have increased due to easy access to information and online cross-shopping options.

 

DISCOVERING THE CAR DEAL’S BACK END

 

When dealerships give customers clear and comprehensive information about financing alternatives and insurance products, they have the chance to earn their confidence and loyalty. Customers can make better selections and have a better overall car-buying experience if the back end of the transaction is simplified and made less mysterious. Additionally, dealerships may better fulfill the changing expectations of their clientele by utilizing technology to offer real-time insurance estimates and financing choices.

 

Future Forecasts and Difficulties for Autonomous Vehicles

 

In the automotive sector, the research and application of autonomous vehicles (AVs), sometimes known as self-driving cars, is still a contentious issue. While some believe that Level 5 autonomy—complete automation without human intervention—is achievable, others think that obstacles relating to weather, regulations, and technology may prevent fully autonomous vehicles from being widely used. These concerns, combined with the initial car prices, will make nationwide adoption challenging.

 

Let’s Watch This Develop…

 

New business models, changing consumer preferences, and technological improvements will all have an impact on how people purchase cars in the future. The automobile business is growing rapidly, from subscription services to OTA updates, AR in car servicing, and the push toward driverless vehicles. It will be critical for dealerships, customers, and industry professionals to adapt and seize the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we look to 2030 and beyond.