A new service that provides drivers with access to interactive live showroom demos is being trialled by Vauxhall.

The Go Instore solution in action

Dubbed Go Instore, the solution is initially being run through the Tony Levoi Vauxhall retailer in Romford, Essex, and uses live video to enable the customer to find out more about vehicles and ask questions to the dealer sales team at home or on the move.

It also takes care of security concerns; the customer’s camera is never accessed, so it is a one-way video communication channel, but two-way audio. And the video call sessions that take place between customers and the retailer are not recorded or saved and no personal information is taken, unless at the request of the customer during the call itself.

The service is intended to bridge the gap between online and offline car buying services; traditionally motorists looking to buy new cars have made up to four visits to a dealership but with the onset of new technology, this has now fallen to just 1.5 visits, with many customers doing their research on smartphones and tablets.

So far, the service is said to have seen a sharp increase in customers who have decided to book a full appointment, request a call back or ask for a brochure, and the solution could be rolled out across the UK.