BMW's U.K. boss says the automaker is considering using a mobile sales force for the i sub-brand.
BMW wants to do things differently with the new i sub-brand and it is looking for new ways to sell the cars once sales begin in 2013.
BMW's U.K. boss, in an interview with the publication Car Dealer, talked about using the internet more to sell i sub-brand cars and having a more flexible and mobile sales force to address customer needs such as delivering cars to their doorstep.
"I can see us having a mobile sales force for the i brand. We'd utilise the internet more too. That could even stretch to selling cars online, with the back up of our existing dealers, of course. eBay manages it, so why can't manufacturers sell cars online too?" says Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW U.K.
BMW will begin selling the i3 electric compact in 2013 under the new i sub-brand. The i8 performance hybrid will follow in 2014.
Abbott also muses on more flexible leasing mechanisms for customers that would allow them to swap cars in a short period of time.
"Allowing customers to use an electric car during the week to get to work and, say, a diesel 5-Series at the weekend to get away to the country would be popular. I can see a concept where people pay a monthly subscription which covers road tax and insurance on all the models. They could then use an electric bike, one of our new scooters, a motorbike, an electric car or a normal car. It's a concept we are looking at for the U.K."
Source: Car Dealer via BMW BlogRead more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111112538500/bmw-looking-for-new-ways-to-sell-i-sub-brand-cars#ixzz1fCqM90mF
