Snapdeal has launched an automobile platform called Snapdeal Motors that will let users book vehicles online. For now, two wheelers from Hero MotoCorp and compact commercial trucks from Piaggio are available on the platform. Snapdeal claims that vehicles from Mahindra, Suzuki Motorcycles and Datsun will be available soon. Users can browse through vehicles on the platform and check specifications, booking amount, ex showroom price for the city etc. On booking a vehicle, users are prompted to select a dealership based on the delivery date or distance and pay the booking amount online. The user then has to call the dealer to get further details, post which they can visit the store and pick up the vehicle. Dependence on dealership: While this initiative is interesting and makes it easier to book bikes, a user is still required to pick up the vehicle physically and has to report to the offline dealer for documentation and other formalities. So we don’t imagine this move will cause offline dealers any heartache, instead it should help them gain business through the online medium. The platform also offers users an option to get approval for loans and is currently providing a free insurance with bikes as a diwali offer. As of now, it lists 2 Piaggio commercial trucks and 23 Hero bikes including variants. Other than this, Snapdeal claims it will eventually provide users with a ‘Test Drive at Home’ as well as a ‘Doorstep delivery’ option. As of now, users can also pick multiple colour variants of the vehicle, make a…
