Just 18% of car buyers intend to find finance for their next car purchase via the internet, according to a survey of 500 people by accounting network PwC.
PwC asked the same question in France and Germany, where 15% and 25% said they found their financing through the internet, respectively.
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The relatively low number in the UK came despite 93% of respondents saying they would use the internet to research their next car purchase.
Phil Harrold, partner in the automotive practice at PwC, said: "Manufacturers and car dealers need to continually develop their online presence. Car dealers in particular should be prepared to deal with well-informed customers and therefore must have an offer ready to meet their usually very specific demands. When buying a car, a third of all customers are looking for a one-stop service that offers them support from the consultation phase via financing to the actual purchase of the vehicle."
Alternative fuelled vehicles
The research also found that 99% of buyers would not consider buying an electric car, while just 13% said they would be interested in hybrid cars. The majority (62%) said they wanted a conventional petrol or diesel engine.
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By GlobalDataHarrold said: "Customers expect manufacturers to shoulder the burden of ensuring their next car has minimal impact on the environment, but they remain less likely to opt for hybrids or electric cars themselves."
Commenting on the report, Jon Burdekin, head of consultancy at Alphabet, said: "It is disappointing to see a clear reluctance to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) reflected in this report, but with mainstream manufacturers becoming increasingly involved, the sector’s credibility is on an upward curve. The presence of brands familiar to lots of people can only serve to drive interest, and exciting new EV brands – notably Tesla – are also helping to build the momentum.
"The introduction of practical and desirable EV models at realistic prices from respected and trusted automotive brands means that the adoption of EVs could more than double in the UK over the next three years."
Burdekin said that he has seen opinions begin to change: ""We’re already seeing momentum building, with customers more likely to discuss EVs with us than in the past. Twelve months ago they simply didn’t want to talk about it, so progress is definitely being made."
When asked about other fuel saving activities, 15% of respondents said that driving less was a realistic resolution in the future, while 63% said avoiding purchasing larger vehicles was not an option.
Instead, 80% of those surveyed felt increasing the cost effectiveness of engines should be seen as the principal task of manufactures in the future.
