Forget all those jokes you hear about the car salesperson. The automobile industry has come a long way and the car salesperson has evolved.

Gone are the days when car sales were solely conducted in garages and auto showrooms. Today, people buy their cars online , via video chat and AR tech systems. Even car simulations are conducted via a state-of-the-art tech system. The modern car salesperson is not only digital, but equipped with a set of skills that makes the profession an enviable one.

Luxury car dealer H.R. Owen, who sell New and used Maserati’s believes that there are many qualities that make the digital era sales professional a lot different from his predecessor in the previous millennium.

“They are tech-savvy, more attune with current trends and smart deal closers. They are also equipped with automated tools that make them more responsive and goal-oriented to the needs of buyers”.

The following are top qualities of a modern car salesperson:

1. Digital-oriented and tech-savvy

The future of auto retailing reveals a trend towards an online purchase. Although some cultures are keener than others at buying their cars online, the others are not so far behind. According to a report, 75% of Brazilians and 90% of Chinese buyers would rather buy a car at an online auction as opposed to 45% of Germans and 35% of French nationals.

Based on these figures, it is evident that the web is an essential platform for car dealers. As a result, you have more digitally savvy auto salespersons, trained to persuade consumers over information technology channels and close deals as astutely as they would offline. They are also experts at producing copy aimed at engagement and driving conversion rates.

2. Adaptable to current trends

Unlike the past, the market is evolving at a faster rate. Car experts are not just chilling in the showrooms anymore, they are on their smartphones engaged in online conversations, discussing with car connoisseurs and attending auto fairs. Information at their finger-tips means they provide quick answers to customers needs.

Adapting to changing trends means they always know the direction of the market. This makes it easier to evolve and stay in tune with skills needed to serve the industry in high capacity. They can also profile prospective buyers and make accurate suggestions about the type of vehicle they need. For them, it’s connection, anywhere, anytime.

3. More safety oriented

It could be said that the previous car salespersons were not as safety-savvy as today’s bunch. Today, the mantra is ‘safety first’ and is practiced by genuine auto dealers everywhere. Every car salesperson knows the importance of security. They look out for their customers by focusing on how safe a vehicle is before touting it as the next best thing after the Batmobile .

Their product knowledge includes the protective capacity of any vehicle. Whether it’s a vanity coupe or a heavy-duty truck, it is essential to ensure that it passes all standards for user safety. Every salesperson worth his salt will never compromise a customer’s wellbeing for profit.

4. Accessibility anytime

In the seventies and the eighties, once the work hours were over, so was accessibility to the salesperson, or more aptly the sale. Potential buyers would have to wait until opening hours to close a deal. The 21st century car salesperson is available 24/7. If a customer feels the urge to purchase a 2010 Camaro by 2am, they can simply log online or contact the next available dealer.

However, not everybody can make them selves available. Which is why this is a top skill. If you consider yourself a modern car salesperson, can you be bothered to close a car deal at any time?

Perhaps, the next time you evaluate yourself or hire a car salesperson, look out for these qualities, you might be surprised.