Generation Z as Influencers of Today andCustomers of the Future : A quantitative study based on the Theory of Planned Behavior Model with the context of High Involvement Products and the New-Car Market

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to find solutions to increase the purchase intention of HIP’s and encourage Generation Z to influence todays’ customers to buy online as well as to purchase in future online when they become relevant customers in the new-car market, and to enable car manufacturers to use the potential of increased margins and sales, of online shopping in the car industry. Design/Methodology/Approach: The structure was followed by a deductive approach. Moreover, a quantitative approach was applied in the form of a questionnaire based on 5 hypotheses with 200 valid responses. The programs for the analysis are AMOS-SEM. Findings: Evidence has shown a positive relationship between variables in the hypotheses.The attitude and subjective norms, affected by behavioral beliefs and normative beliefs, of Generation Z affected the purchase intention of Generation Z, towards online purchase of HIP’s, positively and enabled them to act as influencers. Research Contributions/Limitations: The contribution highlights that, Generation Z as influencers of today and the future customer, could change consumer behavior towards online purchase of HIP’s, which help car manufacturers improve their online sales and grow their business. The research is limited to 200 people that are representative for Generation Z. Practical Implications: The results contribute important insights of selling HIP's online to Generation Z. Furthermore, the implications are developed to decrease the perceived risk of buying cars online. Value: The study about Generation Z, as influencers of today and future customers for online purchase of HIP's and specifically cars, indicated that there is a lack of scientific studies on this specific field. Therefore, the value of the study is based on new findings to help car manufacturers create a better experience for customers and increase their online sales on the new-car market. Keywords: E-commerce, Customer Experience In Online Shopping, Generation Z, Consumer Behavior Toward Online Shopping, High Involvement Products, New-Car Market