GM Korea to sell 10 Chevrolet Aveo compacts online
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GM Korea said on Sept. 19 it will sell 10 units of its new Chevrolet Aveo compacts via Auction, a local online shopping site affiliated with eBay Korea, on Sept. 26.
This is the first time in Korea that a carmaker has decided to sell vehicles online.
Even though the unprecedented online car sale seems more like a marketing activity, industry watchers say other carmakers could follow suit considering consumer reaction, especially among youngsters who prefer online shopping rather than visiting physical shops.
“Through the collaboration with Auction, we hope to appeal to female drivers in their 30s and 40s, the new Aveo’s target customers,” a GM Korea official said.
In August, Ticket Monster, a daily-deal site, stirred controversy after it sold 20 Jaguar XF sedans via its website without consulting the carmaker’s UK headquarters. Jaguar Land Rover Korea at the time hinted at a legal action for damage to its brand value and creating confusion.
The retail price of the Aveo is 17.79 million won (US$16,000). GM Korea plans to offer diverse benefits to those who purchase the car online, including online cash points worth 5 million won.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary motivation for GM Korea to sell these cars online?
What is the primary motivation for GM Korea to sell these cars online?
GM Korea hopes to appeal to female drivers aged 30 to 40, who are the new Aveo's target customers. Industry watchers also see it as a marketing activity to gauge consumer reaction, especially from younger buyers.
Q.Has a car manufacturer sold vehicles online in Korea before?
Has a car manufacturer sold vehicles online in Korea before?
No, this is the first time a carmaker has decided to sell vehicles online in Korea. While a daily-deal site previously sold Jaguars, that was without the carmaker's consultation.
Q.What specific benefits will online buyers of the Chevrolet Aveo receive?
What specific benefits will online buyers of the Chevrolet Aveo receive?
GM Korea plans to offer diverse benefits to those who purchase the car online. This includes online cash points valued at 5 million won, in addition to the vehicle's retail price of 17.79 million won.
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