In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, automakers have moved toward selling cars entirely online. Programs like General Motors’ Shop. Click. Drive., and Toyota’s SmartPath allow car shoppers to search dealer inventory, arrange at-home test drives (the dealer will drop it off at your house and pick it up afterward), and even negotiate prices and complete the sale without ever setting foot in a dealership. Volvo has even announced that its upcoming slate of electric cars will only be sold online. Not every automaker is onboard with the touch-free shopping trend. But most seem to be moving toward it.
Mitsubishi is the latest to sign on. The brand’s new ClickShop system almost enables car shoppers to complete the entire buying process through Mitsubishi’s website.
ClickShop, Mitsubishi says “allows customers to see the full picture of inventory in their area, right from their phone, tablet or laptop. Customers are also not required to submit their contact information to unlock deals.” Buyers can complete the trade-in process and apply for credit or lease for a car entirely through ClickShop.
Dealer Visit Still Required to Sign
Test drives and completing the paperwork, however, still require a trip to a nearby Mitsubishi dealer. Some rival manufacturer online digital retailing efforts include at-home test drives and vehicle delivery.
It may be missed opportunity for Mitsubishi and its small network of dealers. The Japanese automaker’s footprint in the United States has shrunk to just over 300 dealerships. For many car shoppers, there isn’t a nearby Mitsubishi dealer. That can limit the appeal of some excellent cars (the 2022 Outlander looks like it could be one of the best vehicles in its class…but the lack of a support system for it will keep many buyers away).
Online car sales are the inevitable future. KBB’s own Dealer Home Services will allow you to buy nearly any car without leaving home and arrange service for your existing car. Here’s hoping ClickShop is just Mitsubishi’s first step toward online sales.
