Volvo Automotive UK is informing shoppers of its change to direct-to-consumer gross sales in June with a reminder that this doesn’t suggest Volvo dealerships are closing down.

A press release launched at the moment highlighted Volvo’s current developments, together with launching on-line new automotive gross sales, its Care By Volvo subscription supply, and on-line OEM-approved used automotive gross sales, and added: “In June this yr we’ll be taking the subsequent necessary step because the UK turns into our first 100% direct market once we shut the UK wholesale channel.

“It is very important notice that we’re not closing the Volvo Vehicles retailers. They proceed to be an necessary a part of a seamless on-line and bodily shopper expertise.”

Companions in its franchised community are shifting to company mannequin contracts which place them as a service supplier for Volvo, which would be the retailer.

Volvo mentioned its new method to getting a Volvo automotive is designed round flexibility for the patron, as there may be quite a lot of funding choices and no matter whether or not somebody visits a Volvo dealership, enters Volvo’s ‘city studio’ in London’s Brent Cross buying centre, use its web site or the Volvo Vehicles app, and “everybody ought to get the identical excellent and significant expertise”.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Automotive UK managing director, mentioned: “Evolving shopper wants are the driving pressure behind this alteration. We need to present the absolute best expertise for our shoppers, no matter their shopping for preferences.

“The transformation is being undertaken in shut collaboration with our retailer companions and we’re assured it’ll ship an industry-leading shopping for course of.”

He mentioned it was thrilling to see the progress already made as Volvo transitions into this new gross sales mannequin. “To date this yr, 17% of our gross sales have been on-line and direct, and so they proceed to develop as we transfer in the direction of the completion of this transformation,” Elvefors added.

Underpinned all gross sales is the on-line retailer, volvocars.com, offering clear and nationwide on-line pricing with out haggling or hidden charges.

A centralised digital stock system that can permit Volvo to see all inventory obtainable throughout the nation at any given time, to assist shoppers find and obtain vehicles quicker.

Volvo reiterated that whereas on-line shopper relationships will play an more and more necessary function, its bodily retailers will at all times be a key element, accountable for lots of on a regular basis contact with shoppers, resembling offering take a look at drives and helping them via the brand new gross sales course of, and delivering and servicing vehicles.

“We’re actually wanting ahead to persevering with our sturdy relationship with Volvo Automotive UK as we endure this large transformation,” mentioned Chris Carr, managing director and proprietor of Volvo Vehicles Shrewsbury, who was among the many first to signal the brand new associate settlement.

“Volvo has proven willingness to take heed to retailers all through this journey and demonstrated openness. This collaboration leaves us, as retailers, in a very constructive place to drive our companies ahead, whereas securing a elementary function in the way forward for Volvo’s first direct gross sales market.”

Volvo mentioned that funding in superior information analytics capabilities will assist it perceive prospects higher: what they need and the way it could make their lives simpler.

Sweden would be the subsequent market to change to this mannequin, whereas different markets in Europe will comply with as they grow to be prepared.