Soon You Can Buy a New Lexus Completely Online

Changing Times

To date, legacy automakers have mostly avoided allowing buyers to complete the entire vehicle purchase process online. Dealers would obviously prefer that you come to the physical dealership to do such a thing, for a variety of obvious reasons. But COVID-19 has changed the car buying process much like it has changed everything else, and Lexus is updating its Monogram program as a result.

Photos: Lexus

Shopper's Preference

The original idea behind Monogram was to make the process of buying a new Lexus as easy as possible. Over the last year or so, the concept of providing a "touch-free" buying experience has become more important than ever, however. Toyota cites a recent Cox Automotive study that shows two-thirds of shoppers are more likely to want to purchase a vehicle 100 percent online.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about buying a new Lexus safely online right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Pilot Phase

At the moment, only a small number of Lexus dealers in select markets are using Monogram in its test pilot phase, but the automaker says that it plans on aggressively accelerating its availability this year. The big news, of course, is that the entire purchase process can be completed without setting foot inside a dealership, though some states require a handwritten signature that can be completed when the car is dropped off at your home.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about buying a new Lexus safely online right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Simple Process

The process of finding and purchasing a car using Monogram is pretty simple and straightforward. Shoppers can browse the inventories of their preferred dealer. Once they find one they like, they can still visit the dealership to see it and/or negotiate a price if they like. Everything the shopper enters into the site gets saved in a digital garage that is available to the salesperson in an effort to save time.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about buying a new Lexus safely online right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Integrated Process

The shopper is then free to complete their purchase through the dealership or using Monogram. For Lexus dealerships, the new technology integrates with current inventory, the customer relationship management system (CRM), and directly with financing through LFS, allowing sales associates the opportunity to better understand customers wants and needs, while accessing time-saving tools, enhanced analytics, and advanced lead handling that allows the dealer to pick up right where the guest left off online.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about buying a new Lexus safely online right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Greater Transparency

“Our goal is to create greater transparency with our guests and efficiency for our dealers - whether that's in the showroom or online,” said Andrew Gilleland, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. "From increased flexibility for guests to enhanced technology for our dealers, Monogram provides our brand the tools to anticipate guest expectations today and into the future.”

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about buying a new Lexus safely online right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Coming Soon

The all-new Monogram complete online experience, which expands to allow customers the ability to complete their purchase online, will roll out market by market starting in Spring 2021. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about buying a new Lexus safely online right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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