One Finding: In Future Seamless Transaction More Important Than Vehicle Attributes Or Brand

Auto Industry Leaders Fully Expect a Major Shift in Retailing

SEE ALSO Complete KMPG Automotive Executive Study (PDF)

Washington DC December 7, 2021; The AIADA reported that a large number of global auto industry executives expect to see most new-vehicle sales moving to online transactions by 2030, with a steep rise in factory-direct selling, according to an industry survey by KPMG International.

Automotive News said that a majority of executives opined that they envision at least 40 percent of vehicles will be sold directly to consumers by automakers, as opposed to retailing through franchised dealerships. "It's kind of a call to arms to dealers to get going and get ready," said Gary Silberg, KPMG International global head of automotive.

The widespread outlook is significant, considering that the notion of factory-direct auto sales was unheard of in the U.S. only a few years ago. Approximately three-fourths of the executives said they think that in the next five years, offering a "seamless and hassle-free" buying experience will be a more important factor in vehicle purchase decisions than such traditional considerations as the vehicle's driving performance or its brand or image.