(Rate out of five)
Loading ...When it comes to buying a new car, many people can find this process to be a bit stressful. That is why most manufacturers have tried to implement measures to make the whole process easier for the customer. However, although it can also be stressful for a customer to buy a used car, many manufacturers fail to take this into account. Considering that the sale of used cars makes up around twenty five percent of total sales made by franchised car dealerships, it seems quite strange that more is not done to accommodate the used car buyer.
Thankfully Volkswagen have decided that the time is right to look after their used car buyers as well as those buying new cars and they have introduced their ‘Das WeltAuto’ program which translates to ‘The Word Car’. Volkswagen have decided to take the bull by the horns and try to make the used car buying experience similar to that of a new car buying experience. They are committed to this global scheme and want to make it easier and more enjoyable for customers to buy used cars.
Dave Wilding of Volkswagen is the man behind the launch of the initiative and he said that Volkswagen had come to realise that there was a major gap between the used car and new car buying experiences and they felt that the time was right to tackle this problem. Das WeltAuto aims to close the gap to ensure that all customers enjoy the experience of buying a car, whether used or new.
The main aim of the project is to give customers a place to go when they want to buy a used car. It would not matter if this is a used Volkswagen or another make of car because Volkswagen dealers would only be selling used cars that they have approved as meeting certain standards. Provided a car has less than one hundred thousand miles on the clock it could be approved by Das WeltAuto. The fact that Volkswagen are prepared to approve other brands of cars means that they will be able to reach a wider audience and it means there will be a bigger choice of cars in Volkswagen dealerships. Customers will be more willing to buy their used cars from a place they can trust and if the car is Das WeltAuto approved, it will have a bigger appeal.
While most manufacturers in the United Kingdom already have an approved used car program in place, Das WeltAuto is also focusing on the buying experience of the customer with a range of packages which will meet the specific customer’s requirements and circumstances.
The main elements of the Das WeltAuto program are as follows:
• Minimum of twelve months warranty on all components
• Thirty day/1000 mile exchange promise with no quibbling
• Full check of the vehicle’s history
• Full reconditioning and testing
• Cars to be prepared to Volkswagen standards
Customers can also choose one of the following:
• MOT tests free of charge for life
• One year roadside assistance from Volkswagen, free of charge
• £100 of the price of a used car service plan
• Three years free MOT protection
• Accessories worth £100
These are add great value to customers and similarities can be draw to the Vauxhall network Q and the ford direct scheme HERE
Customers can also choose to add certain extras in order to personalise the used car. These could include Bluetooth technology, alloy wheels or satellite navigation and the prices for these items would include the cost of installation as well as VAT. This makes the whole process easier for the customer with everything being so transparent.
Das WeltAuto gives the customer clear and concise information making the used car buying process similar to that of a new car buying process. The customer will be aware of every benefit that comes with their used car as they will receive a brochure outlining any options included. Das WeltAuto is set to be rolled out across all the Volkswagen dealerships on Good Friday after a successful trial period in 21 retailers for the past year.