Wikipedia
carwow is a platform for buying new cars from franchise dealers. It uses the reverse marketplace model to remove the need for buyers to negotiate with car sellers - users choose the car they would like to buy, along with the various specifications and features, then receive offers direct from dealers. It also provides information to prospective purchasers and gives feedback on rogue dealers.
The site is free to use and reportedly provides an average saving of £3,600 for the consumer. Dealers pay carwow to sell cars via the platform. The company claims to be completely unique in Europe and plans to expand into the continent into commercial vehicles, used cars and vans. The company has partnered with the RAC as part of RAC Cars' ‘search, buy, sell’ website.
carwow was founded by James Hind and launched in May 2013. The company's investors include venture firms Balderton Capital, Episode 1 Ventures, Samos Investments and Accel Partners. The company had sold over 20,000 cars valued at £550m by January 2016.