Southeast Asia’s largest used car platform unveils experience centre

Southeast Asian online used car trading platform Carsome has launched its new Carsome Experience Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The move signals the opening of the firm’s B2C segment, introducing a highly digitized and transparent car-purchasing process, aimed at addressing consumer distrust when buying second-hand cars. The firm works to enhance trust and assurance throughout the industry’s supply chain in the areas of sourcing, financing, retailing, and after-sales services.

“We want to create an end-to-end trusted experience for consumers when it comes to buying used cars,” said Carsome co-founder and CEO Eric Cheng.

“Our Car Purchase Preference Survey showed that 70 percent of car buyers want detailed information on car condition; 60 percent appreciate an extended warranty; and 40 percent value test drive experience and money-back guarantee.”

The firm offers a one-year warranty and five-day money-back guarantee on selected vehicles. The service also features a home-delivery option. Test drives take place in a controlled setting from the Experience Centre.

“Carsome’s B2B business has solved a persistent issue for used-car dealers when it comes to sourcing inventory,” said Cheng. “With the launch of our B2C segment, we are now creating a new customer-acquisition channel for our partner dealers to remarket and sell more cars through our extensive marketing reach. This is an exclusive, value-added service to our partner dealers, who can now list their cars on Carsome website for free.”