By 2030 customers will only be able to order new Volvos online – and they’ll have to be electric.
The online and electric only model is a new commercial strategy for the firm and is aimed at simplifying car purchases.
Volvo’s head of global commercial operations, Lex Kerssemakers, told Parkers: ‘The move online should make the customer experience flawless. If people want to go to a dealership or not – we cater for both.’
The 2030 deadline has been chosen because of the evolving rates of online sales. Volvo expects 50% of its sales to be online by 2025.
What about dealerships?
Moving online doesn’t spell the end for Volvo dealerships – but they will be changing.
Dealers will move away from selling cars, but will continue to be responsible for a variety of important services such as preparing, delivering and servicing cars.
‘I’m the kind of person who likes to go to a dealer. Online and off-line need to be fully and seamlessly integrated,’ added Lex Kerssemakers. ‘Wherever the customer is in their journey – online, in a showroom, in a Volvo Studio, or driving the car – the customer experience needs to be top-notch.’
Buying online
You can currently buy a car from Volvo online with its Care by Volvo scheme.
The Care by Volvo name refers to its subscription leasing model. However, this will change by 2030 to offer a much broader customer experience.
Servicing, warranty, roadside assistance will all be thrown in. Plus insurance and charging options will be up for grabs too for extra cash.
Kerseemakers said: ‘90% of new customers are Care by Volvo. 73% of those customers tell us they would have never chosen Volvo without Care by Volvo.’
>> Care by Volvo subscription model
What this means for you
Volvo is looking to streamline its buying process. From 2030 you’ll only be able to drive an electric Volvo by ordering online if you want to order from Volvo directly.
You’ll still be able to go somewhere and look around the car – and you’ll most likely still take it to the same place to get it serviced.
The online Volvos will mostly be pre-configured that are ready for a quick delivery.
While pricing is promised to be ‘transparent’ because of set pricing models. So no negotiating is needed.
Further reading
>> Best electric cars to buy in the UK
>> Best SUVs 2021
>> Best small SUVs 2021
>> Used Volvos for sale
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