I see value in having a local showroom where prospective buyers can test-drive several models to evaluate their driving experience. I don't think I'd ever buy a car without being able to sit in it beforehand.
Imagine manufacturers buying out the dealership lots, turning a good portion of the lot to a small track for testing the cars handling, maneuvering, and acceleration without going onto public roads. I'm assuming a closed course will be much better for their insurance than going onto public roads and much more fun for customers since they'll (presumably) have straightaways and corners. And the fact that they could just keep a model car for each trim level for their line up might incentivize them to not be stingy on test drives (and when the car is past a certain point they sell it at a discount).
Another portion could be turned into electric charging stations using solar. With how many dealerships there are I think this is a neat use of the wasted lot space.
So all in all, you then would go check out the cars, order the car you want online, and then pick it up on arrival at the showroom, all while doing away with the haggling and downright scummy tactics dealers currently use. The fact they default to screwing unwitting customers over should be warning enough that there needs to be change.
The last two cars I bought the salesperson knew nothing about the cars. People can learn much more about cars by going to a web site than talking to a sales person.
- DMV Paperwork
Dealerships charge consumers for the privilege of submitting DMV paperwork. This could all be handled online. Don’t understand the benefit.
- service your vehicle
I go to independent mechanics. They service my vehicle just fine.
Dealerships have got to go. They’re a huge waste of time space and money. They reflect crony capitalism at its worst.