Volvo Car UK claims to have taken a motor industry lead with the launch of the UK’s first online platform for the sale of approved used cars, direct from the manufacturer.
Volvo Cars Selekt Direct allows consumers to search for, select and pay for the premium approved used car they want in a full, end-to-end service. Designed for ease, speed and pricing transparency, it can be accessed via computer, tablet or smartphone.
“This ground-breaking innovation marks a further step in Volvo’s consumer-focused transition to providing digital access to its products and services, both direct to consumers and via its retailers, the automaker said in a statement.
“The company has announced its intention to sell all its new electric models online and for the majority of its UK retail sales to be online by 2025, while all Volvo’s global new car sales are expected to be through online transactions by 2030.”
Research confirms growing consumer interest in new purchase models, with one in four people surveyed already saying that they find the direct-to-consumer used online concept ‘very appealing’. This positive shift in consumer attitude is reflected in the early success of the Care by Volvo car subscription service, which in its first year has delivered over 2,500 online new sales, equivalent to 15% of all Volvo’s retail sales and 7% of the brand’s total UK new car sales.
The selected used cars available through the new programme benefit from rigorous preparation, with more than 150 separate checks before being offered for sale, including software upgrades to ensure optimum performance. Each car comes with 12 months’ roadside assistance, cover for its next MoT test and the quality guarantee of a comprehensive warranty.
Customers can exchange their car within 30 days or 1,500 miles if not happy with the purchase for any reason.
The service includes UK nationwide delivery on all cars. The UK retailer network will provide all subsequent servicing, maintenance and repairs.
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “Strategically, our retail partners will remain central to our business in providing full aftersales support, including servicing, maintenance and repairs.”