Like other automakers, American Honda was developing online sales tools to link its brands' national websites to local dealer inventory well before the coronavirus chased most buyers from physical showrooms. With the global pandemic, however, getting those tools up and running became even more urgent.
Ten Honda and Acura stores were already piloting a product developed by the automaker and digital provider Modal. So the manufacturer pulled the timeline forward and quickly captured interest from about half of its 1,350 retailers across the country, who were eager for a no-touch or limited-touch buying process.