Volkswagen launches online car buying service in India

Volkswagen is the latest manufacturer in India to introduce a digitised sales platform. Interested customers can now choose and book their preferred VW car or service directly from Volkswagen India’s website. The new platform integrates the 137 dealerships and 117 service centres located across the country.

At the time of booking, customers can select their preferred dealership and are given the opportunity to digitally interact with a sales consultant when required. Customers are also provided with the option to physically visit a dealership or service centre, or avail of a pick-up and drop service. The carmaker also claims that in order to provide a secure transaction, verifications will be authenticated via an OTP-based system.

Commenting on the initiative, Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, “At Volkswagen, digitalization has been the core principle of our strategies. With the launch of our simple, secure and user-friendly online retail platform, we are pushing the boundaries of end-to-end retail sales and strengthening our commitment to customers. We aim to provide our customers the flexibility in choosing their preferred Volkswagen product through a contactless channel.”

The carmaker has also said that santitisation measures will also be in place. Daily sanitisation of all the company’s facilities and the vehicles present are already being carried out as per the government’s guidelines.

The first quarter of the 2020 calendar year has been a relatively busy one for Volkswagen. The Polo and Vento have been upgraded to meet BS6 emission standards with the introduction of a new 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine. The German brand has also discontinued diesels from its line-up and has introduced new models such as the T-Roc and Tiguan Allspace.

Further down the line, the carmaker has big plans for the Indian market. 2021 will see the launch of VW’s first models under the India 2.0 plan. This includes a Hyundai Creta rival that was previewed by the Volkswagen Taigun concept and the next-generation of the Vento.