Geely Launches Online Sales Service In China As Coronavirus Keeps Buyers Away From Showrooms

Geely is launching on online sales service in China, helping customers buy cars from the comfort of their computer or mobile device before having the vehicle delivered directly to their homes. This is a strategic move and is expected to boost sales as the recent Coronavirus outbreak has kept people away from car showrooms mostly, as reported by Autonews Europe . Buyers can order and customize their new cars on Geely's website, while test drives can also be arranged - starting from the consumer's home address in coordination with local dealerships. Read Also: Volvo In Merger Talks With Geely As The Two Consider Joining Businesses According to Geely exec Victor Yang, an online sales strategy can allow automakers to directly reach customers through sales and marketing and help them build experience should they want to continue to do so in the future. Geely has used third-party online sales platforms such as Tmall, JD.com and Suning.com in the past, yet this marks the first time in which the brand is selling cars through its own website. Other carmakers, such as Tesla, BMW and Mercedes, have also begun to promote their products heavily online in recent weeks, as authorities in China have warned people to stay away from public places . In the first 16 days of February, passenger car sales in China, the world's largest car market, have fallen a massive 92% compared to the same period last year. For Geely , this has meant that production has been at around one-third of its usual monthly output in February, but around 90% of workers will reportedly return to their stations by the end of the month, added Yang.