As the Internet becomes an even more integral part of the car-buying experience, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has introduced a tool that will help consumers purchase a Mazda easier than ever before. According to PRNewswire, the Mazda Shopping Assistant program will be “the first in the industry to provide potential buyers with an actual quote—from the customer’s choice of dealer—for the vehicle they have chosen.”
The Mazda Shopping Assistant (MSA) program can be accessed through http://www.mazdausa.com/ and connects consumers with Mazda Personal Shoppers. The Personal Shoppers are able to answer specific products questions and provide personalized shopping experiences through web chat sessions. Potential buyers can configure a vehicle, select a dealership, search inventory, acquire a quote directly from the dealer, schedule a sales appointment and receive financing information. If the customer and dealer agree upon a price, the Personal Shopper will arrange an appointment time at the dealership for paperwork to be signed and vehicle delivery.
Mike Ray, director of customer satisfaction and loyalty for MNAO told PRNewswire that the program was designed “to help Mazda customers spend less time shopping and more time driving.” On average, a consumer will spend four hours at the dealership during the car-buying process. Each month, more than 1.5 million unique visitors log onto MazdaUSA.com to gather product information, locate dealerships or build vehicles, which prompted Mazda to create the MSA program. This program, as well as others that may likely follow, will create some unique opportunities for SEMA manufacturers to become involved. Consumers could not only build the car of their dreams using an Internet-based buying program, but they could add on all of the aftermarket parts they want right from their home.
Source: (July 8, 2007). “New Mazda Internet ‘Personal Shopper’ an Industry First: Mazda Shopping Assistant Converts Internet Shoppers to Buyers.” PRNewswire. Retrieved July 9, 2007 from www.prnewswire.com.