A car dealership without salespeople, open around the clock and controlled by algorithms instead of people: In Seoul, Renault is showing what car buying of the future could look like.
A car dealership without salespeople, without fixed opening times and still accessible at any time. What sounds like a dream of the future is here Renault according to n-tv already reality. In South Korean Seoulmore precisely in the trendy Gangnam district, the manufacturer has opened a showroom that is open around the clock and largely requires no staff.
From the outside, the building looks more like a design hub than a classic car dealership. A spacious glass facade, large screens and a clearly presented brand world are intended to arouse curiosity. Inside, Renault relies on a reduced, high-quality interior with seating niches and open areas that expressly invite visitors to linger. However, the real special feature only becomes apparent at second glance: there are no sales staff on site.
Access via QR code and advice via AI
Access works digitally. Anyone who wants to visit the showroom registers online and receives a QR code that can be used to open the door – at any time of the day or night, seven days a week. Inside, those interested can view, touch and explore the vehicles on display at their leisure. Large monitors provide information about models and equipment, supported by artificial intelligence.
The heart of the concept is an AI-supported advisory assistant that helps with model selection and configuration. Questions can be clarified or requirements can be clarified using a chatbot, without the need for a human salesperson. Only if users get stuck can an employee optionally be connected. The approach follows the principle of “look, feel, decide”, without sales pressure and without waiting times.
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From the showroom to the purchase – everything is digital
Renault also relies on automation beyond advice. In collaboration with an external service provider, test drives can be arranged via app. The vehicle will then be taken to the desired location. Even contract documents can be provided digitally and signed online, so that the entire purchasing process can theoretically take place without personal contact.
The concept is primarily intended to offer comfort. Spontaneous visits outside of traditional opening hours are just as possible as a stress-free initial contact with the brand. Accompanying persons are also allowed into the showroom after prior registration – the experience is expressly not limited to individual visitors.
Experience instead of sales room
Renault doesn’t completely forego emotions. Directly connected to the showroom is a restaurant that deliberately operates in an analogue manner and turns the place into a meeting place. In this way, the manufacturer shows that the car dealership of the future may be more digital and less staffed, but that the sensory experience still plays a role.
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