Car salespeople get such a bad rap. But have you ever enquired about a car before and then decided you are no longer interested, only to be harassed by the salesperson twenty times a day? I think we can all relate to this. But in fairness, they are just trying to make a sale.
More often than not, the ‘fear’ of car salespeople comes from not having enough information about the car you might want to buy. Some fear they are being ripped off or taken for a ride. Knowing exactly what you are buying before you buy it is the key to a great car-buying experience.
AUDI TO THE RESCUE
How would you feel if you could choose your car via a virtual experience? A place where you can feel comfortable going through all your options and having all the info right there in front of you. Audi has launched a virtual reality-enabled Audi Customer Private Lounge (CPL) at Audi Centre Centurion.
WHAT’S THAT NOW?
The Audi CPL allows for a one-to-one engagement between a customer and a sales consultant in a digital, premium and intimate environment. Once in the CPL, digital technologies like the VR headset and 75-inch screen allows the Audi sales consultant to present the entire Audi model range, including all equipment options, colour combinations, packages and specifications during the customer sales dialogue.
This means that you see the exact car you’re after, prior to the purchase decision, without having to actually see the physical vehicle on the dealership floor. The configured Audi is experienced in three dimensions and 360 degrees, with all light and sound effects.
IT MIGHT NOT SOLVE ALL YOUR FEARS
You still need to do your research before you enter any dealership. If you have loads of cash to drop and know you are after a brand new, customised Audi, then this experience will be incredible. But if you’re unsure of what it is you want or how much you can actually spend, you might want to brush up on your car-buying skills.
I think it is safe to say that there is still a need for car salespeople. Even in this cool virtual experience Audi is offering, a ‘sales consultant’ is needed. But there is something comforting about seeing exactly what they are speaking about.
INTERESTED?
Audi expects to roll out the CPL concept to more dealerships around South Africa within the coming years. The full, VR-enabled, Vorsprung experience is now available to Audi enthusiasts and customers at the newly revamped Audi Centre Centurion, at 1016 Lenchen Avenue North, Centurion, Gauteng.
