AutoNation feels customer need for digital shopping speed

America’s largest auto retailer is providing customers with a streamlined, omnichannel shopping experience.

Known as “AutoNation Express,” the integrated retailing solution is based on real-time insights from the retailer’s customer data. AutoNation Express enables customers to search 75,000 new and used vehicles based on a monthly payment, as well as provides the ability to compare vehicle attributes, including a new section focused on electric vehicles. 

Customers can also complete a mobile-optimized, step-by-step digital experience to estimate trade-ins instantly, calculate finance/lease/cash payments, select vehicle protection products, apply for financing, schedule in-store pick up or home delivery, and upload key documents.

In addition, customers can receive a certified offer and same-day, check-on-the-spot payment through the AutoNation Express “We'll Buy Your Car” (WBYC) program. The omnichannel solution allows shoppers to perform as much or as little of the transaction online and/or in physical stores as they choose. 

Store associates have new tools that further complement the customer-facing capabilities of AutoNation Express. The retailer’s equity mining tool and proprietary Customer 360 platform leverage millions of sales and service transactions into a central system that automatically appraises a customer's current vehicle and identifies a newer replacement vehicle for a similar or lower payment. 

Additionally, the platform shows associates household vehicles, service history, propensity to purchase, and financial service product history. Associates can see the lifetime value and transaction history of AutoNation customers, in real time.

As of Dec. 31, 2020, AutoNation owned and operated over 315 locations from coast to coast.