17 October 2018

Volkswagen to revamp sales formats

Volkswagen customers from 2020 will be able to avail of a range of services including and beyond the purchase of a car through a personal ID number, writes Brian Byrne.

The system, to be rolled out through the company's 5,400 dealers in Europe will also allow online purchases, mobility services, software updates, and round the clock availability of support.

VW plans to add five million of its customers each year globally to the initiative.

As a major revamp of its sales and service format, the plan will also involve pop-up stores in high footfall city locations.

In a developing digitisation of its sales network, Volkswagen will develop an internet platform which will handle the entire purchasing process through to contract conclusion, including financing, payment and even used car trade-ins.

Customers will be able to choose from the entire brand model range and to complete their car purchase with their selected dealer online. For Volkswagen, the new platform will also offer the possibility of direct sales.