Web proves critical for companies choosing their next fleet

Monday, December 1, 2014 - 17:00
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42% used a manufacturer website

Just 6% of respondents consult traditional manufacturer brochures first

Manufacturer websites have become the number one source for information when it comes to choosing a new company car according to research from Sewells Intelligence.

A staggering 20% responded in the User Chooser Barometer survey stating they use manufacturer websites as their first source for information when searching for a new company car, outweighing company vehicle choice lists.

Of the 20 sources offered, 42% of the 2,200 respondents used a manufacturer website when searching for a new company car with 23% stating it was a ‘very useful’ source. These statistics further underline the importance of manufacturer websites when making a first impression with potential customers.

The traditional manufacture brochure was the second most used source of information however only 6% of respondents used considered these as a primary source.

Simon Staplehurst, Commercial Manager at Sewells Research and Insight, commented: “The importance of the website as a key element of marketing real estate has never been clearer. With more opportunities to go online through mobiles and tablets, having sites that work across multiple platforms and devices is critical.

It seems the typical customer journey now begins on a manufacturer site before customers move on to independent websites, forums and blogs to research their purchases. Engaging with potential customers during their research phase now means making sure your website supports this shift as well as finding ways to bring customers back from third party sites.

“Manufacturers are aware of the need to have a synchronised message platform, but the website is still the number one place for information. Big launches may well grab the headlines, but equally important are websites – never has that been truer than now.”

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