The automotive industry is undergoing a shift towards direct sales and new business models. Carmakers such as Tesla and electric vehicle (EV) start-ups are selling directly through online, urban boutiques, and pop-up stores, allowing for more variety in sales formats and limiting retail costs. Established carmakers must find ways to match these new business models and customer requirements for more convenient, personalized, and digital relations in sales and after-sales. However, implementing direct car sales presents challenges such as existing contracts with dealer networks and legal constraints. Players such as Geely, Tesla, and Hyundai are consistently pursuing strategies to overcome these challenges and embrace the shift towards direct sales.
