Drivvn to sell £1bn worth of cars online in 2023

Growing demand for online car buying is boosting revenues for Drivvn, which plans to achieve car sales worth £1 billlon this year.

The automotive e-commerce business, which claims to be the largest online seller of vehicles in Europe, saw its sales increase by 21% in 2022, to £709 million.

Drivvn entered the UK market in 2020 as a new online vehicle sales platform aimed at automotive retailers and car manufacturer clients.

Peter Brown (pictured), chief executive of Drivvn, said: "It's clear that consumers are increasingly comfortable buying a car online. We use advanced data analytics to improve the customer journey to create a better experience and boost sales.

"We believe that we are the biggest online seller of vehicles in Europe, and it gives us a great insight into emerging customer trends that benefit OEMs and retailers alike. In addition, our modular approach means any part of our platform can be quickly deployed to support an omnichannel sales journey."

The number of online stores Drivvn operates increased by 50% during 2021 to 75. It now works with 12 brands across 17 markets.

Drivvn data shows some brands have achieved a conversion rate of 26% from model choice to sale. While some brands see online account for over 20% of all sales.

The business is already trialling installing its stores into dealer group's websites to create a more seamless e-commerce experience between retailer and manufacturer. It's an approach the company believes will be helpful in the agency retail model as it provides clear attribution for each stage of the journey.

Brown added: "We work hard to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience for car buyers. It's essential that consumers can switch their journey between the online store and physical dealership as easily as possible.

"Digital stores will continue to evolve as data gets more connected and technology develops. An omnichannel sales strategy should be developed from an NSC's point of view to strengthen the brand, help retailers, and increase the customer experience. Customers gain from enhanced personalisation and a smooth transition from a website to a showroom."

Motability launched a pilot programme in partnership with Drivvn to help its customers, who receive mobility benefits they can spend on car leasing, to make the transition to an electric vehicle (EV).

The trial utilises an EV ‘suitability assessment tool’, delivering insight and guidance to customers considering a switch to EVs, based on personalised factors such as driving habits, mileage requirements, access to public and home charging, the customer’s confidence in EVs,