Dacia has launched its Dacia Buy Online car sales platform with the claim that it has opened 150 million new retail outlets across the UK.

The Renault-owned affordable car brand’s claim relates to the number of connected devices owned by adults across the UK and the claim that potential customers can now buy a Dacia anytime, anywhere in four easy steps, thanks to the new platform.

Dacia said in a statement that its Buy Online solution allows every stage of purchase to be made online including finance, part exchange and service and warranty packages plus home delivery.

To mark the launch, Dacia has opened ‘pop-up dealerships’ including at the White Cliffs of Dover and a scenic bus stop in Yorkshire.

Louise O’Sullivan, head of Dacia UK, said: “With our new Dacia Buy Online platform our customers can now find an additional 150 million Dacia dealerships at their fingertips.

“Whether you’re sofa surfing, browsing on the bus, or scrolling whilst strolling – we’re making car buying simpler. You can order a Dacia online today and have it delivered to your driveway within two weeks.”

Described as “a comprehensive online system”, Dacia Buy Online allows customers to choose payment options, both cash and finance with full online acceptance, selecting a customer deposit contribution and set a monthly budget.

Customers can even part-exchange their existing car which will be collected as part of the new vehicle handover.

All Dacia models are available to purchase online, where customers can select the choice of colour as well the ability to add service and warranty packages, the brand said.

Its statement added: “Dacia Buy Online launches hand-in-hand with the Dacia dealer network (participating dealers only), which supplies the vehicles to the customer.

“To complete the process customers can choose either Click & Collect from their local dealer or choose home delivery, with the car available from UK stock within two weeks.”

Dacia has also conducted research into car buying habits both on and offline.

Its findings revealed that the UK’s online shopping rush hour is 10:20am on a Saturday, with nearly half of Brits (48%) saying they would consider adding a car to their virtual shopping basket if it meant they could get good value for their money.

Dacia also found that 47% would also consider buying a car online for its convenience, with over a third (35%) of consumers valuing the option of buying online so they can scroll and shop at any time of day.

This desire has increased significantly in the last decade, it said, with just 15% of respondents stating they would have considered buying a car online ten years ago.

The majority of online shopping (64%) takes place as customers watch television, Dacia’s data revealed, with 33% doing so while at work and a quarter while on public transport.

The study also looked at what people value most when searching for a new car. Top of the list for the majority of Brits is reliability (60%) followed by value (58 %) and quality (55%).

O’Sullivan added: “Times really are changing and our research shows that consumers are prepared to click and buy whenever and wherever is most convenient for them, regardless of time of day or location, due to the time pressures of everyday life”.