Buyers 'want to carry on test drives alone'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

telematics provider AX Innovation revealed that almost all drivers – 91 per cent – still see test drives as an important part of the car-buying journey.

In an effort to maintain social distancing since the pandemic started, dealerships have offered test drives without a salesperson riding alongside.When asked why unaccompanied test drives were preferred, the top reason given by seven in 10 drivers was that it would help them to concentrate on the car itself, without distraction from the sales rep.Six in 10 drivers said it would make the test drive experience less awkward, while 54 per cent said it would enable them to choose their own route rather than one chosen by the dealer.Just over half would feel they could test the car’s performance.