Car buying platform YesAuto has officially launched in the UK with the aim of attracting car buyers to dealerships through its online shop and car information hub.

YesAuto said that it wants to ‘support customers through every stage of the car buying journey’ by connecting buyers with respective dealers through the YesAuto car community.

The website features a customer rating system, allowing prospective buyers to draw on other motorists' opinions by scoring cars based on what matters to drivers.

With virtual reality (VR) 360 panoramic view technology to test drive booking functions, the platform allows users to see VR interior and exterior views of the car they are interested in, from their laptop, iPad or mobile device.

Neil You, general manager at YesAuto, said: “We know buying a car is a significant investment for many people and that purchasing a car has often been a long and exhausting process.

"We want everyone to feel excited about every stage of selecting and buying a car, with our site having everything people need in one place to make the right car choice for them.

“Through the site, we are making car buying as simple as possible whilst also giving discerning customers access to the widest range of vehicles so they can browse and buy from wherever they are, safe in the knowledge they are getting a great car, at the right price.”

Earlier this year AM took a deep-dive look at the explosion in different online automotive offerings available in the UK and explored how this very crowded marketplace is affecting retailers.

Yesterday (August 24), meanwhile, Dominic Corr, an account director at specialist digital marketing agency, Honchō, shared his top tips for gaining digital marketing traction ahead of the key September number plate change month. 

YesAuto said its platform’s behavioural led algorithms crossmatch customers and their requirements with cars and dealers to provide recommendations.

The YesAuto website features:

  • The 360 Car View tool which uses virtual reality technology to allow users to see the interior and exterior of a vehicle. With highlighted points that users can click to see from the bumper to the steer wheel, passenger seats to lights and back row.
  • The Build Your Own function which gives car buyers the opportunity to configure the car to their specific needs, from body and wheels to interior and seats. The platform then gives users an estimated price.
  • A Comparison Tool which lets individuals do side by side comparisons of any car selected.

The website will also feature user reviews, guidance sourced from specialists across the automotive sector and a news section.

As well as a car buying platform, YesAuto said it aims to be an online community to help everyone on their car buying journey.

To celebrate the launch of the car buying platform, the company will be hosting its Virtual Car Show, taking place from August 28, for a month.

The event is free to the public and will bring to life all elements of a car show with VR technology and allow visitors access to dealers offering in real time, the company said.

The latest AM industry special issue

Spotlight on the customer

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What consumers really want - trends and habits dealers must understand to provide the right buying experience

Barriers to EV purchase - many private motorists need extra help before they take the plunge

Delighting used car buyers - it's essential for retailers to offer tailored experiences and great value

Aftersales customer care - valuable interactions are vital as dealerships face fishing in a diminishing pool

A customer-first future - Steve Young, ICDP MD, gives AM an exclusive insight.

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