Bearsted, United Kingdom, 16 May 2023 – Automotive Transformation Group, have officially unveiled Fusion to the automotive sector to accelerate their customers’ journey to omnichannel. This suite of products will offer consumers a seamless, personalised experience across multiple channels and will harness the connected power of their NetDirector® software, proprietary data, and an array of third-party integrations to deliver a true, end-to-end omnichannel experience.
Over the past 5 years, consumer demand has evolved rapidly. Covid-19 catalysed the significance of ecommerce within the car-buying journey. However, as the memories of showroom lockdowns fade, it’s clear that online sales now only represent a fraction of total transactions. In fact, according to Automotive Transformation Group Business Intelligence, when assessing online payment methods, they found that 86% of online transactions in 2022 were reservations, demonstrating an overwhelming consumer preference to complete a transaction in-store.* What’s critical now is that the handover between the online and in-store journey is seamless, making omnichannel more than just a buzzword but instead, a necessity for any organisation wanting to succeed in the face of rapid evolution.
The automotive industry has trailed behind other sectors when it comes to providing that seamless transition from online to in-store. Whether that be due to the franchise market structure, the complexity of the vehicle as a product or legacy technology as a driver for a lot of retail processes, it has meant a disjointed customer experience. Too often the sales process is interrupted as consumers transition from one channel to another. This results in a lack of visibility for Retailers and OEMs, who without a comprehensive overview of leads, cars, and sales, find it difficult to identify and respond to risks.
Fusion is derived from an amalgamation of art and science and a culmination of years of technological development and strategic design. With Automotive Transformation Group’s NetDirector® software acting as its foundation, it represents a holistic approach to automotive omnichannel retailing and offers consumers a consistent experience, regardless of whether they are browsing for vehicles online or using digital displays in a physical environment. Fusion allows consumers to perform a transaction on a Retailer’s website using the same tools as they would inside a showroom for a truly frictionless experience. It prioritises personalisation to ensure the sales process is picked up from where it was left, irrespective of device or location. It also serves consumers their next vehicle at the right time for them, in line with their individual aspirations, ownership habits and financial situation, automating and maximising consumer loyalty while minimising the cost of acquisition.
Fusion is a family of NetDirector® products and services, seamlessly integrated and easily accessible from any device at any time. Delivered through a SaaS subscription, it offers consumers a new way to search and buy, while simultaneously offering Retailers a new way to acquire, convert and retain.
By harnessing the full force of Fusion, Automotive Transformation Group customers can host a 24-hour shopfront, manage vehicles, process orders, standardise branding, send personalised upgrade offers and so much more. Through a fully connected user account and next-generation QR technology, consumers can browse at their own pace, taking their preferences with them from channel to channel, so there is no need to start from scratch. This ultimately breaks down the barriers associated with each touchpoint, allowing for complete visibility of the sales process to increase lead generation and operational efficiency.
When asked about the launch, Chief Executive Officer, Tim Smith stated “Fusion revolutionises automotive omnichannel retailing. As an industry, we need to provide the most convenient and thrilling consumer experience possible in order to match the emotion and passion that comes with buying a car. Omnichannel should not be a competitive edge. It should be a standard. With Fusion, we raise the bar. This is next-generation technology for the now-generation consumer and it’s ready right here. Right now. No vapourware. No slideware. No smoke and mirrors. This is fully functioning tech which is already delivering stunning results for Retailers and OEMs in various markets.”
Chief Revenue Officer, Richard Johnston added, “Fusion doesn’t just deliver on omnichannel retailing. Its real-time integrations can generate tangible cost savings and operational efficiency across your business. Its automation capability standardises your brand from vehicle display and data consistency to customer management and quality of interaction.”
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About Automotive Transformation Group
Automotive Transformation Group exist to support and simplify vehicle sales for Retailers, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), Financiers and Fleet Suppliers across the industry.
During their 20 years of service, Automotive Transformation Group have helped their customers sell millions of vehicles through their digital, data and retention solutions. More recently, while the pandemic forced showrooms into lockdown, Automotive Transformation Group delivered ecommerce functionality to over a third of all UK Franchised Retailers in under 24 months, helping many of their customers maintain their business during this period of unprecedented change. Automotive Transformation Group aim to become a leading provider of omnichannel, digital retailing, and retention solutions by driving efficiencies throughout the vehicle sales process. Their products are used in 85 countries and have been translated into 30 languages worldwide.www.atg.auto
Media Contact
media@atg.auto
*Source: Automotive Transformation Proprietary NetDirector® Business Intelligence. Findings based on NetDirector® Auto-e Online Transaction Payment Methods report for 2022.