Volvo has become the first manufacturer to create a new online-based, customer-focused service for buying approved used cars.
The Swedish company claims it has “taken a motor industry lead” by establishing the ‘Selekt Direct’ service, which launched earlier today.
Despite insisting physical dealerships remain “key to its business” in terms of aftersales services, the move takes Volvo one step closer to migrating its private car sales operations online by 2025.
Kristian Elvefors – Volvo UK’s Managing Director – said: “In designing Volvo Cars Selekt Direct, we have focused firmly on the needs of consumers, personalising the service so it works in the way that’s right for them.
“That means not just the convenience of direct online access, but also peace of mind that the process is secure, robust and delivers a premium experience that fully reflects the qualities of our brand.
“With Volvo Cars Selekt Direct, we are improving our service to consumers and developing a blueprint for our transition to online sales. Strategically, our retail partners will remain central to our business in providing full aftersales support, including servicing, maintenance and repairs,” added Elvefors.
Each car listed on Selekt Direct will have undergo a 150-point inspection and customers are being promised a no quibbles exchange policy within the first 30 days – or 1,500-miles – if they are not entirely happy.
Pre-owned cars comes with 12 months’ Volvo roadside assistance and cover for its next MoT test. The service includes UK nationwide delivery on all cars, with Volvo’s UK retailer network carrying out aftersales servicing, maintenance and repairs.
Volvo says the decision to launch the “convenient and safe” service has been led by recent research that suggests one-in-four buyers find the concept of buying a used car over the internet “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 more than 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.
