Al-Futtaim Automotive Elevates Digital Car Shopping with Toyota, Lexus, and BYD Virtual Showrooms

Abu Dhabi : Al-Futtaim is revolutionizing automotive retail in the UAE with immersive virtual showrooms.

• Al-Futtaim Automotive expands its virtual showroom initiative to Toyota, Lexus, and BYD UAE.
• Customers can explore, configure, and book test drives online, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
• Virtual showrooms recorded high engagement, proving strong consumer interest in digital automotive retail.
• The initiative supports sustainability and aligns with UAE’s digitalization agenda.

Transforming the Automotive Shopping Experience

Al-Futtaim Automotive is redefining how customers in the UAE buy cars by expanding its virtual showroom initiative. With the launch of Toyota UAE and Lexus UAE Virtual Showrooms, alongside the existing BYD UAE platform, car buyers can now explore, customize, and even reserve their vehicles online. This digital shift underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and sustainability in automotive retail.

The Evolution of Al-Futtaim’s Virtual Showrooms

Initially launched during COP28 in 2023, the BYD UAE Virtual Showroom set the stage for an innovative way to browse and purchase cars. The platform, originally accessible only via VR headsets, quickly gained traction, particularly among younger, eco-conscious customers. Due to its success, Al-Futtaim extended the initiative to Toyota and Lexus, making their popular models available for virtual exploration on any device.

Now, customers can configure vehicles, select features, book test drives, and even secure their purchase, all from the comfort of their homes. The seamless online-to-offline experience bridges the gap between digital research and dealership visits, setting a new industry standard.

Strong Consumer Engagement

The virtual showroom platforms have witnessed impressive organic engagement:

• Toyota’s virtual showroom recorded 3,800 interactions in its first month, with high interest in models like the Land Cruiser.
• Lexus saw 850 interactions within the same timeframe, reflecting demand for luxury vehicles such as the LX600.
• BYD UAE and KSA virtual showrooms garnered 14,000 and 13,500 interactions, respectively, with users spending an average of three minutes exploring models like the Song Plus and Atto 3.

These figures highlight the growing consumer preference for digital exploration before making a purchase decision.

Why Virtual Showrooms Matter

Al-Futtaim Automotive’s virtual showroom initiative delivers key benefits to customers and the industry:

• Immersive exploration: 360-degree views and real-time customization allow buyers to visualize their dream cars in detail.
• Greater accessibility: Customers can explore models from anywhere, reducing the need for showroom visits.
• Sustainability: By minimizing reliance on physical spaces, the initiative supports eco-friendly retail solutions.

The platform also addresses key challenges in traditional automotive retail, such as limited stock availability. Customers can explore all vehicle configurations, including colors not available in physical showrooms, ensuring a comprehensive selection process.

Shaping the Future of Automotive Retail

A 2023 Roland Berger report found that 96% of car buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia begin their purchase journey online. Additionally, an Arthur D. Little study highlights the internet’s growing influence on automotive sales, with 53% of regional respondents preferring to complete purchases online.

By expanding its virtual showroom ecosystem, Al-Futtaim Automotive is not just adapting to market trends—it is leading the transformation. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision for digitalization, offering a cutting-edge, customer-centric approach that enhances the car-buying experience while setting new industry benchmarks.