The news that Volvo is to shift all vehicles sales to online only is being reported around the world. It directly affects everyone working in the retail motor industry, not just those selling Volvos, because it’s a sign of things to come.
Bringing together the acceleration of online shopping as seen during the pandemic and the ‘Tesla effect’ of sharpening the internet car retail business, Volvo is merely announcing now what is seen by many as inevitable for all car retail businesses. Click & Collect has proved a hit with many customers and dealerships alike, so the Volvo move makes sense.
Industry experts say that dealerships will remain to offer test drives and service…and that’s just about it.
The UK has already witnessed the rise and rise of major retail players who sell online only – look at Cazoo etc. This is happening globally and instead of trying to hold back the tide Volvo is jumping right in at the deep end.
Volvo also announced it’s going to be making only electric vehicles by 2030. It intends to be a leader in the EV sector.
Volvo’s head of global commercial operations, Lex Kerssemakers, spelt out the company’s future very clearly indeed: “The future of Volvo Cars is defined by three pillars: electric, online and growth.
“We want to offer our customers peace of mind and a care-free way of having a Volvo, by taking away complexity while getting and driving the car. Simplification and convenience are key to everything we do.”
Listen up, people. This is real and it is happening now.