Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, has launched into yet another non-food market – second-hand cars .
The supermarket giant has begun offering thousands of used cars for sale through its new Tesco Cars website, which went live on Sunday.
The service has been launched following Tesco’s acquisition of a significant minority stake in online dealership Carsite, and is aimed at tapping into the UK’s £24 billion motor market.
Up to 3,000 former hire or lease cars will be advertised on Tescocars.com each week. The site will provide detailed images of each vehicle for sale, as well as a history report and details on fuel usage. Users will also be able to view a video of each car being test-driven by the RAC .
Shoppers will be given their own named customer service adviser to help with buying process, and those that purchase a vehicle will be rewarded with up to 2,000 Tesco Clubcard points. Each car will also come with a seven-day, money-back guarantee and a one month RAC warranty.
Andy Higginson, chief executive of retailing services at Tesco, said the company is able to offer cars at cheaper prices than traditional used car forecourts due to low overhead costs.
“By supplying directly to customers, there is no middle man, no expensive showroom and no salespeople on commission,” he commented.
“There’s no pressure, no hard sell. You can select and buy your car from the comfort of your own home and, just like your weekly shop, we will even deliver it to your front door.”
Other motor services offered by Tesco include new and part-worn tyres, car insurance and breakdown cover .
