# Auto Omnichannel Traditional car dealerships are shifting toward digital means for Millennials. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jan 7, 2020 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/auto-omnichannel ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Auto Omnichannel trend? **Auto Omnichannel:** In the past few years, the fate of the auto industry has been called into question as Millennials increasingly decide against purchasing a car. Some car companies are looking to alleviate this by offering easier car purchasing options that leverage digital features. ## The consumer insight behind the Auto Omnichannel trend It's no secret that Millennial consumers are accustomed to online shopping and the ease it offers. Though some bemoan this as a trait of a generation that is too hesitant to "grow up," this generation wants traditional adulthood through more contemporary methods. Companies within industries built on a sense of convention can both service, and impress the Millennial consumer by working against the status quo and providing ease of use. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 15, 2018 to Mar 25, 2022 - Published: Jan 7, 2020 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Auto Omnichannel trend ### Digital Car Purchasing Options Offering car purchasing options that leverage digital features can service and impress the Millennial consumer, who demand ease of use and convenience. ### Online Car Sales Offering online car sales is a popular option, as many consumers prefer the convenience of online purchases. ### Advanced Virtual Shopping Experiences Virtual showrooms with 360-degree views, augmented reality, and new finance options offer an optimal virtual shopping experience for car shoppers. ## What the Auto Omnichannel trend means for industry ### For Auto Dealerships Traditional auto dealerships can leverage digital features to capture the Millennial consumer and compete with hyper-specific online retail sites. ### For E-commerce The trend towards offering digital purchasing options, online car sales, and advanced virtual shopping experiences demonstrate how e-commerce is revolutionizing the auto industry. ### For Virtual Reality Advanced virtual shopping experiences and virtual showrooms offer a new frontier for the auto industry and demonstrate how virtual reality technology is disrupting the industry. ## Workshop question What is one tradition within your industry that could be challenged to accommodate the Millenial consumer? ## Trend signals for Auto Omnichannel Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 77%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 77% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the Auto Omnichannel trend 8 featured examples from Aug 15, 2018 to Mar 25, 2022. - [Next-Gen Vehicle Shopping Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vehicle-shopping-concept): ZeroLight, Cadillac & Amazon Shared a New Vision at CES 2020 (Category: Autos) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in expanding e-commerce platforms, like Amazon, to include vehicle sales. - [Automotive Metaverse Boutiques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metaverse-boutique): This Virtual GM Experience Shares Electric Vehicle Innovation (Category: Autos) Implication: As electric vehicle technology continues to advance, there is a huge opportunity for disruption in the automotive industry to create more efficient and environmentally-friendly ve… - [Contactless Car Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-vending-machines): Auto Trader Created a Stress-Free Way to Purchase a Car (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry can benefit from implementing car vending machines as a disruptive innovation that transforms the traditional car buying process. - [Custom Camper Van Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conversion-trader): 'Conversion Trader' Supports the Van Life Movement (Category: Autos) Implication: The custom camper van marketplace could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the automotive industry to embrace the trend of mobile living vehicles. - [Online Car Sales](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-car-sales): Porsche Will Allow Its Customers to Purchase Cars Through an Online Process (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry has an opportunity to disrupt traditional car sales models by offering online sales options. - [Advanced Virtual Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota): Toyota's Virtual Showroom is Equipped with Augmented Reality (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry can adopt advanced virtual shopping experiences to enhance customer engagement and simplify the buying process. - [Used Car Delivery Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clutch): Clutch Lets You Buy A Car Online and Have it Delivered to Your Door (Category: Autos) Implication: By offering a seamless online auto purchase and delivery experience, companies can disrupt the traditional dealership model and gain market share. - [Online Car-Buying Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clicklane): Clicklane Operates Online and Saves People a Trip to the Dealership (Category: Autos) Implication: Online car-buying platforms like Clicklane are disrupting traditional car dealerships and changing the consumer buying experience ## Recent trend clusters - [Racing Homage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/racing-homage) (Autos) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Autos - [French Retro City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-retro-city-cars) - [Factory-Backed Performance Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heritage-performance-centers) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) - [Electric Luxury Grand Tourers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-price-ev-sedans) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)