Google enters the car shopping & lead generation business

One thing no one can accuse Google of is missing an opportunity! The company is well on its way to rolling out a web-based car shopping service, that aims to become an integral part of what is the second most expensive purchase (after buying a house) for most people. Google Cars is more than just a search offering.

Link to Google Cars.

Here's what users from the state of California can expect:

• Car search pages include a Google link providing dealership data, based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and list prices
• Access images, features and technical information, but no car reviews. Knowing the competence of its search engine, Google could provide links to (third party) expert reviews in the future
• A sidebar on the RHS lists the address and contact number of the dealer who has that particular car in his inventory
• A Red 'Get Quote' button appears along with the dealer's contact details
• Click on the button and Google sends the dealer your first name with a proxy phone number and email address. No personal information (other than your first name) is shared with the dealer
• Google will then forward you price quotes from the dealer for your chosen car. There is a set limit on how many times the dealer can message you with price quotes
• Standard sticker prices are displayed for the available cars. Any further discounts & freebies are sent by the dealer in his quote to you
• You can run endless searches on cars & dealers without leaving Google's website
• The service currently offers searches only for new cars, although we fully expect Google to offer a used car buying service in the future
• As is usually the case with Google's services, you don’t have to pay a single dollar for the service

The Google Car Shopping service has been in use for over a year now. The system is already generating sales worth around 7% for a Toyota dealership in Silicon Valley. While Google is not officially getting into the car sales business, pretty much the entire process of purchase is being facilitated by them.

Car dealers are paying for the privilege too, with the minimum bid for a sales lead being US $10. In many cases, the cost of this lead is higher. In the USA, out of every three customers who visit car dealership websites, two arrive via Google.

The service is a long way from making its way to India, but the revolution has already begun in the States.