McCarthy Call-a-Car, the largest independent online used vehicle retailer in South Africa and a subsidiary of listed motor retailer McCarthy, sold 6 662 units in 2003 — representing more than R660-million worth in sales.
McCarthy said used vehicles accounted for 83% of the total sales, while new vehicle sales increased to 17% in 2003. A total of 61% of transactions were done through the internet.
“Recent research done by JD Power showed that 62% of American customers use the internet for research before they conclude a transaction,” said Lourens Botha, managing director of McCarthy On-Line.
“We have a very similar vehicle-buying population in South Africa to that of the US, with those who actually do have access to the internet, representing people in high LSM categories with similar purchasing behaviour.”
Botha said that customers could arrange a test drive online, and could compare models. – I-Net Bridge