Supermarket giant looks to sell cars

Costco Warehouse is looking to sell discounted vehicles at its bulk discount store in west Auckland.

A spokesperson for the global retailer says Costco Autoconnect is in the pipeline for New Zealand although the company has yet to reveal full details on its plans, such as a launch date.

“Autoconnect is the newest addition to our services, which offer members savings beyond the warehouse,” the spokesperson for Costco Australia & New Zealand told Stuff. “This service gives members the exclusive opportunity to see if they can save when purchasing a vehicle.

“Autoconnect offers members a diverse range of vehicles currently with the aim to expand selection in the near future. We are hoping to roll this service out across all of Australia over the next few months.

“Although we can’t confirm a timeframe for New Zealand, we look forward to offering this programme’s incredible value to our Westgate warehouse in the future.”

Across the Tasman, Autoconnect is available in Queensland with plans to roll the service out across Victoria and NSW by the end of the year and other states in the new year, reports the NZ Herald.

Branded in the US as the “Costco Auto Program”, the retailer’s Australiasian arm introduced Autoconnect in Queensland this year through the website Autoreviewa where Costco members can view new and used discounted cars and motorbikes.

After selecting a vehicle online, customers input their membership number and pay a refundable AU$$400 deposit before arranging for delivery or pick-up.

Costco has one store in New Zealand in Auckland’s Westgate although there is talk of it opening a second branch in Christchurch. Customers pay a $60 annual membership fee to shop at the store.

How Autoconnect works

According to the Autoreviewa website, Autoconnect provides a variety of services, including car purchasing and financing. The platform “meets all your vehicle purchasing needs in one place, organised by a professional team of industry experts”.

Costco members get “great deals and substantial discounts” on car and motorbike purchases based on their location. They are also eligible for Costco shop cards to use at their local warehouse.

“Our partnership connects Costco members with the best deals across Australia,” states the site. Members can browse available stock and discounts on our website, choose a vehicle and proceed with the purchase. We also offer financing and trade-in options to make the process convenient for Costco members.

“Once you have selected your vehicle, the next step is to pay the deposit. After that, you will receive a message confirming availability. 

“The vehicle chosen will be reserved for the next 48 hours during which time you will need to confirm your purchase or request a refund of the deposit. If the order is not confirmed within 48 hours, it will be cancelled and your deposit refunded.

“Your deposit will be used as an initial payment on your vehicle and held by the dealer to reserve your vehicle prior to full payment. Your invoice will deduct this deposit from the final vehicle value.

“After the deposit is paid, we will confirm the availability of your chosen vehicle. If you are not satisfied with the pricing and availability, you can request a refund of your deposit. 

“If you decide not to proceed with the purchase after receiving information on vehicle availability, you are entitled to a 100 per cent refund of your deposit. 

“Our goal is to make the vehicle-buying experience as convenient as possible, and we’ll work with you and your dealer to arrange a delivery time and place that suits your needs within the dealer’s delivery service area.”

Autoconnect offers financing through its partners, which can provide “competitive rates and flexible payment plans”. During the purchase process, customers can explore financing options and choose the one that best suits their needs.

It also has partners that can offer trade-in options. “If you have a vehicle you’d like to trade in, please inform us during the purchase process. Our partners will provide you with the necessary guidance and assistance to assess the trade-in value and include it in your purchase.”