The world’s first contactless car vending machine was launched in London. The idea is to offer motorists a haggle-free way to purchase a new car.
The installation has been created by Auto Trader, the largest British digital marketplace for new and used cars, to illustrate its unique pre-haggled prices and transparent price offering.
A new study by the brand of 2,000 British motorists found more than nine in 10 Brits (92 per cent ) admitted they were bad at haggling when buying a car, and 89 per cent said they found haggling embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Haggling on prices (41 per cent ) topped their list of anxieties about buying a new car, along with hidden costs (39 per cent ), worrying about making the wrong decision (28 per cent ), and having to wait a long time to receive a car after buying it (25 per cent ). Four in five (79 per cent ) Brits think their continental counterparts are far better at haggling, and even those who attempt to haggle in the UK, more than a third (38 per cent ) admit they are not confident in their own ability.
On the back of this research, Auto Trader has introduced a new contactless car vending machine, offering consumers a haggle-free purchasing option. I wonder would the results be much different here in Ireland?
The bespoke contactless vending machine system installedin London allows purchases of up to £21,000, showcasing how consumers can “buy and go” without having to worry about any haggling on the price, by finding a car and dealer through Auto Trader or any other source.
A team of six engineers spent three months designing and building the contactless car dispenser. A custom-made point of sale system and key release function was created, alongside an integrated payment and door release mechanic.
The installation features a new Renault Zoe, which is one of the most searched for electric cars in the Britain, according to search data from Auto Trader. It claims that in a month there have been nearly half a million searches for electric vehicles (463,277 ) on Auto Trader alone.
The vehicle’s price has already been agreed with the dealer, meaning drivers do not need to worry about trying to get the best price. The price reflects the significant discounts buyers can find on new cars with Auto Trader’s pre-haggled prices. Nearly seven in 10 (68 per cent ) of Brits believe if cars were sold online, pricing would have to be clearer and more consistent – like with the pre-haggled Renault Zoe installation.
The popularity of the Renault Zoe shows drivers ever-increasing concerns around the environment. There has been an astonishing 60 per cent rise in electric car registrations over the past year albeit from a low baseline. Three-quarters of Brits (74 per cent ) would consider driving an electric car today, with nearly four in five (78 per cent ) admitting to being concerned about their carbon footprint when it comes to buying a new car.
A whopping 85 per cent of Brits also find the stigma around buying and owning an electric car has now gone, with mere than half admitting they would buy an electric car next time they buy a new car. Additionally, when it comes to pollution and emissions in London, 77 per cent believe only electric and hybrid cars should be used in London.
Top 10 car buying anxieties according to British adults
1 Having to haggle, negotiate and barter with someone on the price 41 per cent.
2 Hidden costs 39 per cent.
3 Worrying about making the wrong decision 28 per cent.
4 Having to wait a long time to actually receive the car after buying it 25 per cent.
5 Finding car terminology and jargon confusing 23 per cent.
6 The amount of time it takes to go through the process of purchasing 21 per cent.
7 Not properly understanding the financial options available 20 per cent.
8 Not knowing what questions to ask 19 per cent.
9 Not knowing the long-term running costs 18 per cent.
10 Conflicting reviews on cars 16 per cent.
