The current car dealership landscape in Rwanda primarily operates through physical lots and showrooms, allowing potential clients to view and buy cars. However, this traditional model is evolving as technology becomes more intertwined with service delivery.

Senghor Cyilima, CEO of Scianda Group, highlighted how they’ve been leveraging e-commerce to streamline the vehicle purchase process.

Scianda Group, which has been in business for two years, specialises in the sale of genuine new and used vehicles, houses, commercial buildings, among others.

Nowadays, people are busy with numerous tasks, so we aim to make it easier for them by eliminating the need to visit our office or warehouse. They can simply go online and purchase what they need.

"There have been instances where companies accept payments but fail to deliver vehicles or provide counterfeit products. Our mission at Scianda is to help people acquire quality products at the best prices, aiming to end such practices,” he said.

"Once we don’t have the vehicle in stock, our standard delivery term is 30 days, although shipping challenges may occasionally extend this to two months, but it will never exceed three months.”

Scianda is embracing automotive e-commerce, which refers to buying and selling vehicles and parts over the Internet using various devices, from computers to mobile phones and tablets.

Like many other digital commerce industries, automotive merchants worldwide are adopting an omnichannel approach, enabling customers to use physical and digital channels for informed purchases. "Rwanda should not be left behind, as this approach offers numerous benefits,” Cyilima said.

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Customised customer experience

Our e-commerce business model allows us to provide a more consistent and universal customer experience, minimising variations dependent on salespeople.

Through our platform, customers can enjoy a personalised experience where they can select any car, make adjustments, and request tailored pricing. We offer independent storefronts and welcome collaborations to expand our offerings.

Instead of visiting one showroom to see a single car or brand, customers can compare multiple vehicles and brands simultaneously, access product data, and explore product pages—all managed by our automotive e-commerce platform.

Expanding customer base

Traditionally, car dealerships have focused on local markets, even advertising to attract local customers. We aim to look beyond this, targeting broader markets, including other developing countries like Rwanda, where demand is significant.

E-commerce is eliminating geographic barriers and expanding our reach across various markets. Instead of driving to a local dealership, customers can shop for cars on our website. This e-commerce model allows us to penetrate new markets and segments, broadening our customer base.

Reducing costs and streamlining operations

E-commerce is revolutionising our supply chain management. In the traditional dealership model, cars occupy a lot of space until they are sold.

With our online purchasing model, we can extend our inventory to include vehicles directly from the factory, reducing the need for extensive lot space and saving on real estate costs.

This approach offers customers a wider selection when buying a car. However, we recognise that Rwandan consumers often prefer to see and touch a product before purchasing. Consequently, we are considering opening a lot or a showroom to cater to these preferences.

About Scianda Group

Founded in May 2021, they started operation officially in January 2023. Currently features an array of vehicles from renowned brands like Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, BYD, Kia, and BMW. Their e-commerce platform, Scianda Market, caters to car enthusiasts by offering a comprehensive shopping experience and also includes listings of residential and commercial properties across Kigali.

Senghor Cyilima, the CEO, is on track to complete an MBA in Finance. With nine years of automotive sector experience, primarily in sales, he also brings expertise in business administration, project management, strategic leadership, finance for business leaders, international business transactions, and e-commerce to the table.

For more information, visit www.sciandagroup.com. For your e-commerce needs, visit www.sciandamarket.com, email info@sciandagroup.com, or call +250788229842.