Škoda has partnered with Amazon to introduce a digital showroom for UK customers, enabling them to explore its vehicle range, check live local stock availability, and arrange test drives or financing online. The initiative aims to streamline the initial stages of car purchasing while maintaining the traditional in-dealership transaction process.
Available through Amazon.co.uk or the Amazon app, the platform allows users to browse Škoda’s full lineup—from the Fabia hatchback to the electric Enyaq and upcoming Elroq models—and view vehicles ready for delivery within two to four weeks. While purchases must be finalised in person at a Škoda retailer, the service reduces the need for preliminary dealership visits by offering features such as finance calculators and model comparisons.
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The move follows insights from a Škoda-commissioned survey of 2 000 UK adults, which found that 47% of prospective buyers prioritise home-based research. Yet physical interactions remain critical: 82% of respondents emphasised the importance of in-person engagement, with 78% considering test drives indispensable. Product demonstrations, expert advice, and face-to-face discussions were also highlighted as influential factors.
Matthew Bowden, Škoda UK’s Director, noted: “Customers increasingly blend online convenience with real-world reassurance. Our Amazon showroom meets this demand, letting people explore options at home before visiting a retailer to complete their purchase.”
The survey further revealed broader shopping trends, with 77% of participants spending up to two hours daily browsing online. Over half cited ease and simplicity as key drivers of digital shopping, underscoring the appeal of hybrid approaches in sectors like automotive retail.
Upon selecting a vehicle via Amazon, customers are directed to their preferred Škoda dealership to discuss financing, part-exchange deals, and collection dates. The showroom, now live at amazon.co.uk/skoda, does not facilitate transactions on Amazon’s platform.
While Škoda’s Amazon showroom enables browsing and research, all purchases are conducted exclusively through authorised retailers. Media assets and additional details are available at skodamedia.com.
This approach reflects a growing industry trend to merge digital accessibility with the tactile elements of car buying, catering to consumers who value both efficiency and hands-on evaluation.
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What is happening locally?
South Africa’s e-commerce sector has experienced explosive growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, with new data highlighting sustained momentum and shifting consumer trends. According to World Wide Worx’s 2022 "Online Retail in South Africa" report, the market grew by 30% in 2021, reaching R42,3-billion. BMI Research projects further expansion, forecasting a 10,5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023–2027, pushing the market beyond R100-billion by 2026.
The pandemic catalysed a permanent shift in shopping habits. Nielsen reported a 66% spike in online grocery purchases during 2020, a trend that has persisted post-lockdowns. Payment platform BankservAfrica corroborated this shift, noting a 50% rise in online transaction volumes in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Electronics, fashion and groceries remain the top-selling categories, with local retail giant Takealot leading in electronics. Quick-commerce services such as Checkers Sixty60 and Mr D Food have also surged, capitalising on demand for rapid grocery delivery.
While credit and debit cards still dominate (60%+ of transactions), digital wallets such as Vodapay and SnapScan are gaining traction, alongside cash-on-delivery options in cash-dependent regions.
Mobile commerce is central to growth, with some 60% of online purchases made via smartphones, per Google’s 2022 "Year in Search" report. However, barriers like high delivery costs (cited by 40% of shoppers) and security concerns (30%) hinder broader adoption, according to Deloitte’s 2022 Consumer Insights. Demographically, 18–34-year-olds drive ~70% of online shopping activity (PayPal, 2021), while urban areas like Gauteng and the Western Cape account for 80% of sales. Rural adoption is rising as logistics improve.
Despite 72% internet penetration, mobile data remains the primary access point. Logistics networks are expanding, but last-mile delivery hurdles persist in remote regions. Looking ahead, social commerce via Instagram and Facebook is rising among SMEs, while retailers like Woolworths invest in AI-driven personalization to enhance customer experiences.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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