GM pioneers online sales of ex-lease cars

General Motors (GM) has launched an online service selling low-mileage used cars to consumers nationwide, with a website offering an national inventory of GM vehicles returned off lease, from daily-rental operators and from GM’s company car program.

GM chairman and CEO Mary Barra said the company’s announcement of its new Factory Pre-Owned Collection was another example of GM’s efforts to earn customers for life.

“We know that many of our customers who are shopping for a used car want to complete more of the process online, and that number is growing,” Barra said. “GM is already a leader in online new car shopping with our Shop-Click-Drive service, and we are expanding it with the Factory Pre-Owned Collection, making GM the first automaker to offer this choice to consumers.”

GM’s Shop-Click-Drive online new car purchase program helped participating GM dealers sell more than 38,000 vehicles last year. That voluntary program went national around the end of 2013, and today 2,600 dealers participate.

GM’s Factory Pre-Owned Collection site (www.factorypreownedcollection.com) will be available to consumers in February and will feature a nationwide inventory of more than 30,000 vehicles, all with fewer than 37,000 miles, and including an extended factory bumper-to-bumper limited warranty.

The manufacturer says consumers can easily compare suggested prices on the site to what others in their local area have paid using the Kelley Blue Book Fair Market Range. Customers can also get a Carfax Vehicle History Report on the vehicles displayed on the site.

The Factory Pre-Owned Collection also features a three-day/150-mile exchange program, a three-month trial of the OnStar Guidance Plan and the Sirius/XM Satellite Radio All-Access Package and more. Vehicles also come with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation during the warranty period.

“Technology and consumer demands are disrupting the used car marketplace, and GM is leading the way in transforming the way used cars are sold,” said Alan Batey, president, GM North America. “The Factory Pre-Owned Collection creates a simpler, easier experience for our customers and offers them more choices, less hassle and greater peace of mind. It’s also great for our dealers and GM because it introduces new buyers to our brands and increases residual values. Everybody wins.”