Following extensive research Ford has found that four in ten buyers now want to buy their next car over the internet just as they would buy a washing machine or holiday. Perhaps surprisingly the research also found that these consumers would by a car over the Internet even without taking a test drive.

From today every model in Ford’s range will be available for consumers to purchase via FordOnline.co.uk and delivered for collection to one of 12 regional delivery centers where customers will inspect the vehicle before signing a final document and driving away.

Prices offered to online buyers will be the same as those available in the showrooms and just as buyers using the traditional process often haggle for a better deal internet buyers will be able to do the same, albeit by email or telephone.

During Ford’s research more than 1 in 10 buyers said they found visiting a dealership ‘stressful’ and more than 2 in 10 said they were ‘intimidated’ by the haggling process. Ford found that most consumers looking to buy a car online wanted a ‘hassle free process’.

With a 16.7% UK market share Ford is the largest manufacturer and as such experts predict that many other manufacturers will follow suit.