Peugeot claims it is the first manufacturer to allow a consumer to buy one of its cars in one place and “in one sitting” – in 30 minutes.

Under the brand name ‘Order Online by Peugeot’, the e-commerce system is live now at offers.peugeot.co.uk. 

Customers can build a car, secure a guaranteed part exchange valuation for their existing car, and fund the vehicle according to their individual budget criteria, using a range of finance package deals.

David Peel, Peugeot UK managing director, said: “The launch of our e-commerce system represents a huge step change for the UK automotive industry.

“The retail landscape in general has changed immeasurably over the last few years and we are not only proud to be the first car manufacturer to offer customers a truly end-to-end experience, but also honoured to be the first of Peugeot’s markets to unveil the system.

“Traditionally, car buyers can find visiting a dealership daunting.

“With e-commerce by Peugeot, that pressure to make a decision is removed; the customer is in full control and can deliberate all they want over spec and finance decisions, change their minds and retrace their steps as many times as they wish.

“If, having browsed the model range, selected their car and found a finance package that works for them, customers want a test drive, they can still arrange this before committing to a purchase.”

Customers can browse the model range and save details in their own, password-protected account, before ‘clicking to buy’, or starting the configuration process again from the start to compare packages and cars.

With a new web interface, it is possible for a customer to go through the whole process from end-to-end, and order their car, in less than 30 minutes.

“With no need to visit a dealer to complete finance paperwork, this “buy at home” capability remains unique in the market,” Peugeot says.

The Peugeot system automatically filters the best available options for the user, based on the criteria they set.

Customers can choose to pick up the new car from their local Peugeot dealership or have it delivered.

Finance deals are also available immediately online.

The part exchange element of the system is underwritten by Manheim.

The system had a soft launch last week, and within 12 hours the first order had been placed.

The UK is the first place to be chosen by Peugeot for its online ordering platform.