Let’s be real—car shopping hasn’t always been the most thrilling experience. You walk into a dealership, awkwardly dodge an eager salesperson, and spend an eternity flipping through brochures before finally test-driving a car in traffic that makes you question all your life choices. But what if you could do it all from your couch, in your pajamas, coffee in hand? Well, thanks to Al-Futtaim Automotive, that’s now a reality!
Al-Futtaim Automotive has taken a massive leap into the digital world, expanding its Virtual Showroom initiative to include Toyota UAE and Lexus UAE, in addition to the already successful BYD UAE Virtual Showroom. This means customers can now explore, configure, and even buy their dream car from anywhere—whether that’s your cozy living room, a beachside café, or sneakily at work (we won’t tell). It’s an automotive retail revolution, and you’re invited to the front row.
From Virtual Reality to Your Reality
This whole Virtual Showroom thing started with BYD UAE at COP28 in 2023, where it made quite the splash. Initially, it was an Oculus-exclusive experience (very futuristic), but due to overwhelming demand—especially from eco-conscious young buyers—it has now expanded to be accessible on desktops and other devices.
And now, Toyota and Lexus have joined the party, giving UAE customers the power to check out models, tweak configurations, and even book test drives or reserve cars—all without stepping foot into a dealership.
As Katib Belkhodja, Director of Customer Centricity at Al-Futtaim Automotive, puts it: “We’re not just responding to market needs; we’re shaping them.” In other words, Al-Futtaim isn’t just keeping up with the times—they’re setting the pace.
Numbers Don’t Lie (And Neither Do We)
Since launching, the Virtual Showrooms have been buzzing with activity. Toyota’s digital showroom saw over 3,800 interactions in just 30 days, while Lexus recorded a solid 850. Meanwhile, BYD UAE and KSA platforms crushed it with 14,000 and 13,500 interactions, respectively. And here’s the kicker—users are spending nearly three minutes exploring models like the Song Plus and Atto 3. Three whole minutes in the internet age? That’s commitment!
And guess what? This wasn’t even driven by flashy ads. The engagement has been organic—proving that when you create something truly valuable, people flock to it naturally.
What’s in It for You?
So, what’s the big deal about these Virtual Showrooms? A lot, actually. Here’s why you should be excited:
- Immersive Car Shopping – Configure your dream ride with a 360-degree view, pick exterior colors, and see it all come to life before you commit.
- Ultimate Convenience – Browse cars at your own pace, whether you’re chilling at home, on a lunch break, or even mid-flight (WiFi permitting).
- More Choices, Less Waiting – No more “sorry, that model’s not in stock.” Every color, every trim, every option is at your fingertips.
- Sustainability Wins – Less reliance on massive showroom spaces means a greener, more eco-friendly approach to car buying.
The Future is Digital (And It’s Here to Stay)
Let’s face it—everything is going digital. From grocery shopping to banking, we do almost everything online. So why should car buying be any different? Studies show that 96% of automotive buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia start their purchase journey online. Plus, with 53% of people in the region saying they’d rather complete the entire process online, Al-Futtaim Automotive is ahead of the game by offering a seamless hybrid experience.
Nabil Bouali, CEO and Co-founder of Verse World (the brains behind the Virtual Showroom tech), puts it perfectly: “By embracing immersive digital experiences, Al-Futtaim Automotive is not just meeting customer expectations but setting a new industry benchmark.”
In other words, the automotive industry is changing fast, and Al-Futtaim Automotive is making sure you’re not just along for the ride—you’re in the driver’s seat.
So, the next time you’re thinking about upgrading your wheels, skip the dealership traffic, fire up the Virtual Showroom, and explore your future car with just a few clicks. Welcome to car shopping, 21st-century style!
