Consumers have always been able to order their vehicles to their exacting specs. But until recently it didn’t generate must interest. Now build to order is gaining momentum dealer inventories bottom out. 

The current situation of high demand but low inventory has spurred some consumers to order the vehicle they want from exact model, trim line and color rather than pick from what’s available on the lot.

The dealership submits an order to the manufacturer, and the consumer waits for the manufacturer to build their vehicle. This process is novel in the United States, but is the way consumers buy vehicles in other countries. American consumers have traditionally wanted more immediate satisfaction, hoping to drive their new vehicle home the same day. 

The million dollar question is whether consumers will keep ordering their vehicles once the microchip shortage eases and dealers fill their lots. 

There are signs that American car buyers aren’t that impatient and may order what they want and wait for it, even after the inventory shortage corrects itself.

A recent Urban Science-Harris Poll survey asked car consumers how they would react if their vehicle of choice wasn’t available at their preferred dealership because of the inventory shortage. Thirty percent of respondents said they would wait while 70% said they would consider something else and 42% said they would consider another dealership.

Today’s build-to-order process is more efficient and faster than before. The process is now digital with the order sent electronically to the factory.  Today’s modern flexible manufacturing process also makes it easier for automakers to build a vehicle to customer specifications. 

Special-order products no longer delay productions. Today, the auto plant’s computer operating system ensures specific parts and equipment are delivered in a timely manner to the different points along the assembly line.

Even automakers such as Ford now encourage consumers to use it. 

“There’s a huge potential for it,” said Ben Robertattio, a vice president at Foy Linnihan, an ad agency with dealer clients.

Robertattio once worked for a Porsche dealership “where about 40% of the cars were ordered out,” he tells WardsAuto. “Historically, we haven’t seen it much with mainstream vehicles. But I think dealers are ready to embrace it. It’s like building a house; so many things are customized.”

Customers will also appreciate build to order. It not only fulfills their requests, but it “builds the customer experience,” Robertattio says.