Women are having an increasing effect on the car buying market thanks to the rise of online services allowing them to compare and purchase cars on the internet.
Research from Buyacar claims that women tend to use the Internet for their shopping more than men, and feel more comfortable pricing up a vehicle online than in a regular dealership.
According to the statistics, the number of women buying cars online has increased by 58 per cent in the past two years, while the number of men doing the same increased by only 29 per cent.
Likewise, market research company Mintel last year reported that there was a widening discrepancy between the way that men and women will experience buying cars in a face-to-face environment.
Similar research from consumer experts Different Spins claims that women are three times more likely to have a negative experience in a car dealership than men.
Buyacar’s Austin Collins said: “When we analysed the change in our customers between 2014 and 2015 it was clear that the real story behind our increased sales was the surge in interest by women.”
This follows on from a study undertaken by Car Keys earlier this year, which showed that as many as 97 per cent of people now research their next car purchase online before setting foot in a forecourt.
Chris Smith, head of Car Keys, said: “The wealth of online information, in the form of video reviews, editorial content and peer advice, means that car buyers are arriving at dealerships much more informed about what their requirements are.”