The number of test drives has halved in the last 12 months.
Research by Google also shows that the number of new car buyers visiting just one dealership before making a purchase has doubled to 32% in the same period.
Adrian Joseph, director – automotive at Google, said: “We are arguably in the midst of the biggest change in recent times within the automotive industry – a change driven by significant shifts in consumer behaviour enabled by technology and, in particular, the internet.”
He added: “The influence of some traditional media is falling dramatically. In short, the car-buying process is being turned on its head.
“This toxic situation has serious implications for dealerships, and understanding the online opportunity to affect consumer choice has never been more critical.”
AM magazine provides regular insight into manufacturer networks and dealer groups - to sign up for your magazine please click on the following link to subscribe:
AM also provides a monthly electronic magazine called AMe - this provides the latest analysis of new car sales figures each month and more news - to subscribe to this ezine please click the following link:

You must be logged in - click here to login
YES: 57.9%
NO: 42.1%
