eBay Motors Reveals the Future of Automotive Retail

Today, eBay Motors announced the results of its Future of Automotive Shopping Survey. The findings show consumers – especially younger drivers aged 18-29 – expect technology be used to enhance the car buying experience and are more likely to adopt mobile and online tools to purchase cars, trucks and automotive parts and accessories (P&A).

“Mobile is increasingly changing the way consumers shop – whether it’s for a vehicle or parts and accessory,” said Sree Menon, General Manager of eBay Motors. “Today’s consumer – especially millennials – are embracing technology to enhance their own car shopping experiences. At eBay, we’re continuing to arm automotive dealers and P&A sellers with the tools needed to evolve their business. We are focused on how we can leverage technology to help sellers create a personalized experience that meets consumers’ ever-changing needs.”

Car Shoppers Want Virtual Test Drives and Digitally Dynamic Experiences

Today’s vehicle shopper is becoming increasingly dependent on technology – in fact, on eBay a car or truck is bought via mobile every 5 minutes. Research indicated that consumers are interested in using all available mobile and online resources to make the most informed decision when researching or buying a car.

• Nearly 70 percent of consumers have searched for dealership information via their mobile device
• 21 percent of 18-29 year olds are interested in trying augmented reality when shopping for a vehicle

Move Over Men: Women are Buying More Automotive Parts Online

With the rise in fitment capabilities, more and more consumers purchase P&A online. In fact, on eBay, three P&A are sold every one second.

When it comes to fixing, modifying or upgrading a vehicle, more women prefer to source their part or accessory online. As a whole, today’s shopper is more likely to perform the installation as opposed to paying a professional.

• 41 percent of women have purchased auto parts (brakes, wheels/tires, interior/exterior components, etc.) online
• Nearly half (47 percent) of consumers have purchased automotive parts online
  • 64 percent are DIYers (Do It Yourself) who installed the parts they bought online themselves
  • 22 percent are DIFMers (Do It For Me) who bring their parts to an auto shop or dealership
  • 14 percent are both DIYers/DIFMers
  • 23 percent of the consumers that have not purchased automotive parts and accessories online are likely to do so in the future
  • 53 percent of consumers living in the South (AL, KY, MS, TN, AS, LA, OK, TX) are more likely to purchase automotive parts and accessories online

eBay Motors is committed to being the leading vehicle, parts and accessories destination, where shoppers can discover and purchase virtually any vehicle they want or parts that they need to modify, repair, and personalize their rides.

The survey conducted in May 2015, collected responses from more than 1,000 U.S. vehicle owners – 50 percent male responses and 50 percent female responses – to determine consumer shopping habits in order to inform what the future of the automotive retail experience looks like.

About eBay Motors

eBay Motors (www.ebay.com/motors), a part of eBay, one of the world’s largest marketplaces for buying and selling all things automotive.  The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and accessories.  eBay Motors is consistently ranked the No. 1 automotive site on the Web by Nielsen//NetRatings.