The days of being pestered by car salesmen could be coming to an end, with Porsche Cars North America introducing a new smartphone-based service for new car shoppers.
The new system uses mobile tag technology, allowing car yard browsers to scan barcodes on Porsche vehicles and receive interactive information. Shoppers can access everything from videos, reviews, specifications, and even listen to the model’s engine from their phones. Interested customers can send their contact information to a Porsche salesman for a follow-up if they are keen to take it for a spin.
The mobile tag system was initially developed for people who attended dealerships after-hours and could not talk to a salesman in person. Porsche Cars North America chief operating officer Michael Bartsch said 184 dealerships have signed up for the program following the launch of a pilot program last month. “Porsche customers enjoy both performance and technology and are using their mobile devices to help make vehicle purchasing decisions,” Mr Bartsch said. “The dealers that have begun using mobile tags in their showrooms have noted positive feedback from their sales team as well as greater customer engagement and enthusiasm.”
Porsche dealers also have access to an iPad application, which features a detailed car configurator and contains national inventory information for locating cars in stock.
What do you think of the mobile tags system? Would you prefer to be left alone by salesmen and have your phone tell you all about a car, or do you enjoy the personal touch you get from a dealer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
