13. Current cenario (Mintel)
• This is a market in its infancy and as such, not enough data are available to provide
forecast sales to 2015. However, in Mintel’s view, sales will continue to increase
with annual growth of around 10% a reasonable estimate based on recent
developments.
• Both used and new car segments of the car market will likely benefit from a rise in
internet sales, with both sectors having successful companies in the form of eBay
Motors and AutoeBid.
• Tesco Cars estimated to add an extra 10,000-15,000 units to annual growth if
successful.
• Based on annual growth of 10% and the impact of Tesco, volumes of car sales over
the internet could easily reach 400,000 units or more by 2020, providing the likes
of Tesco as well as dealers who currently sell through traditional methods embrace
the channel and can appeal sufficiently to a wider age range than the under-25s
who currently express most interest. Based on existing new and
used car sales, online and other related methods could capture 5% of the market
in the next five years.
• While no trade data exist on the market or its recent development, Mintel
estimates suggest that 3% of new and used cars sold in 2010 were
purchased online equivalent to 240,000 vehicles.
