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Smart launches the first platform in Australia that allows customers to purchase the microcars entirely online and promptly makes four sales with the system.
Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific Managing Director Horst von Sanden says Smart has worked over the past 12 months with DataMotive to develop a user-friendly online platform.
“While there have been opportunities for customers with other brands to secure a vehicle online with a deposit, the difference with this platform is that every single detail – including calculation of on-road and delivery costs, the amount of the payment in full, service packages and dealer delivery point – can be completed via the platform and won’t be restricted to a specific time period,” von Sanden says in a statement.
Buyers can use the system to make payment in full with a credit card or put down a A$2,000 ($1,898) deposit and pay the balance using the Internet Bpay system.
Insurance and finance options will be added in the near future.