Croyland Car Megastore has become the first independent dealer in the UK to implement GForces' 'Auto-e' e-commerce system.

Croyland, based at Rushden, Northamptonshire, is upgrading its current GForces-derived website to include e-commerce tools that will allow customers to find a vehicle, receive an instant part-exchange quote, apply for credit with an instant decision and complete the order by signing paperwork using the lenders e-signature functionality.

Customers can also access customer support or further information outside of the dealerships normal opening hours through a live online chat service, powered by Gubagoo.

Croyland Car Megastore’s general manager Mark Swindells said: “Our upgraded digital capability will complement our physical dealership operations and offer customers even more choice about how and when they buy their car.

“The typical barriers to buying online have been removed and we are ready and able to support customers in person, on the phone or through our dedicated live chat.”

Croyland's new service incorporates Barclays Partner Finance, to offer customers a rapid decision on their application and streamline the purchase process through the Barclays Sign Anywhere tool, which enables them to sign a digital version of their finance paperwork, eliminating the need to print and post documents.

Swindells said: “We have already achieved retail success through our website and can now further extend our digital service with the addition of part-exchange agreements, finance solutions with an instant decision, right through to signing the deal.”

GForces is registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and worked in close collaboration with ITC Compliance, Croyland’s appointed representative provider, to ensure that all regulatory consumer credit requirements and processes were fully met when implementing the new ecommerce platform.

GForces’ head of online retailing Paul Stokes said: “Delivering safe, secure and user-friendly online environments that promote easy interaction will help retailers build trust with potential customers, in ways that other retail sectors already excel at.

"Auto-e is already proving that customers will willingly transact online at a time and pace that suits them, thus supporting and increasing retailers lead conversion to actual sale.”

The Croyland e-commerce launch follows the recent introduction of the platform with Chorley Group, as part of Chorley’s digital transformation strategy.