Hyundai Motor America announced Friday that its Hyundai Shopper Assurance program that is designed to give car buyers an easier and faster way to make a purchase or lease will be available nationwide.
Following its initial launch in four markets late last year, Hyundai said the program is set to roll out at participating dealerships across the country on Saturday, and a majority of Hyundai dealers are expected to add the service within the next few months.
Shopper Assurance was first offered in October at Miami; Orlando, Fla.; Dallas and Houston-area Hyundai dealerships to evaluate both consumer interest and business impact, according to the company.
Listed below are Shopper Assurance's four key elements built to simplify and modernize the car-buying experience:
- Transparent Pricing: On dealer websites, participating dealers post the market pricing (MSRP minus incentives and any dealer-offered discounts)
- Flexible Test Drive: Customers are given the option to conduct a test drive for any new vehicle when and where they want via Hyundai Drive.
- Streamlined Purchase: Prior to visiting the dealership, car buyers can complete paperwork such as applying for financing, obtaining credit approvals, calculating payment estimates and valuing trade-ins online.
- Three-Day Money Back Guarantee: Unsatisfied customers have three business days to return their purchase for a full refund, given the vehicle is brought back with fewer than 300 miles since the purchase/lease.
The Hyundai Drive platform allows car buyers to test-drive vehicles at the location of their choosing, such as their home, their office or a coffee shop. Customers can schedule test drives online via a Hyundai dealers’ website, by phone or using a custom-built app that is available in some markets, according to Hyundai.
“Shopper Assurance is a differentiator for Hyundai and significantly improves the perception of the brand and our dealers. It is now available nationally because of the dedication of our dealers to deliver the best experience possible and adapt quickly to changing buyer preferences with new technologies and innovation,” Hyundai Motor America chief marketing officer Dean Evans said in a news release.
A recent Hyundai survey found that Shopper Assurance had a significant influence on customers who purchased a Hyundai using the new program, according to the company.
“The positive response to Shopper Assurance exceeded our expectations, and it's clear that customers want a more convenient way to buy a car,” Evans said.
In the four initial markets, Shopper Assurance dealers saw a 43-percent increase in website visits and a 10-percent increase in leads. Furthermore, the participating dealerships also outperformed national Hyundai dealers in sales growth, according to Hyundai.
Additionally, 94 percent of Shopper Assurance customers either loved or liked the car-buying process, 56 percent said it played a role in their decision to buy a Hyundai and 53 percent now have a more positive opinion of the brand, the company said.