E-commerce firm drivvn processed £382m in sales across its platform in 2020, indicating a significant shift to digital retailing during the pandemic.

According to the findings, the number of customers making online reservations doubled in the first lockdown whilst clients saw women convert online at twice the rate of men, accounting for 60% of all purchases.

Covid-19 has driven intense digital change across the motor finance industry. From the increased adoption of online showrooms and e-signatures on the surface, to profound shifts in the core structure of the market.

However, such changes were already underway before the pandemic hit, as consumer behaviour has advanced to favour a usership model, transitioning away from the traditional ownership model.

Commenting on the data, drivvn chief executive, Peter Brown, said: “Automotive manufacturers are now shifting to become eCommerce businesses and anticipating how they can meet consumer needs digitally.”

The data points to the continued presence of an omnichannel approach to selling cars, where buyers value visiting showrooms but are often happy to complete most of the customer journey online.

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With an expectation of a seamless shift between virtual and physical retail environments from buyers, Brown continued: “A smooth digital customer journey is fundamental to mobility solutions and the changing relationships brands have with their customers.”

Drivvn, which works with 15 automotive brands across 17 different countries, manages an online platform that can deliver all of the e-commerce journey, ensuring flexibility and rapid dissemination of the online solution into new markets.

Across the first quarter of the year, the firm was delivering one new e-commerce facility each week. Brown added: “The increase in sales is testament to the hard work of the team at drivvn, who have rolled out leading technology at speed to connect manufacturers with their customers.

“The digital transformation is here, and we are constantly evolving our business to ensure that our clients have the tools they need to grow.”