Jaguar Land Rover UK is expanding its online and remote retail capabilities to offer customers more flexibility than ever during the Coronavirus outbreak.

A range of digital sales services have been gradually rolled out over the past year, offering buyers part exchange valuations, finance quotes, finance applications and online reservations.

Since May 2019, Jaguar Land Rover UK has offered the opportunity for people using the online configurator to purchase the vehicle they’ve built at the click of a button. The trial began with just 5 per cent of users and has gradually been made available to 100 per cent of users on the Jaguar and Land Rover UK websites. Now, with UK retailers closed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Jaguar Land Rover UK’s online services are being expanded and honed to offer buyers ultimate flexibility and convenience.

Data gleaned during the initial trial period reveals that 3.3 million people have taken part in the online sales journey already, the very first vehicle ordered through the service was a £119,000 Range Rover and a higher proportion of buyers were female, compared with traditional retailer sales.

Online customers configuring their new vehicle go through the usual process of picking their engine, trim level and options – across any Jaguar or Land Rover model – before being invited to purchase the vehicle. Offered the option of cash payment, Personal Contract Purchase or Hire Purchase, buyers are given the opportunity to get a valuation on their current vehicle for part exchange, to make a finance application and to put down a deposit. Customers opting for finance plans can see how much extra per month will be added or removed to their plan if they choose to add or remove options, Jaguar Land Rover being the first manufacturer to provide this feature.

Offering even greater choice, customers can either configure a brand-new vehicle, or browse stock available throughout the UK retailer network. To help inform customers, new virtual showrooms have been created with video presentations to showcase all Jaguar and Land Rover models. Phone and video sales appointments are available so that customers can talk directly to specialist consultants to answer questions and discuss specific needs, removing the need to visit a showroom.

Jaguar and Land Rover retailers are also offering tailored services for vehicle deliveries in line with the latest government guidance. Many retailer sites have individual handover bays which have been prepared in line with social distancing and hygiene guidelines and parts of the network are offering delivery options.

Rawdon Glover, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said: “Buying a new vehicle may not be the first thing on people’s minds, but for those customers who do want to have a conversation about a new or pre-owned Jaguar or Land Rover, we are here to help. We have been refining our online customer journey for a while and, thanks to the support of our retail partners, we can now provide a comprehensive, convenient and flexible service that is safe for our customers and our staff.”