Volkswagen launches online purchasing

VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA) has launched a new online purchasing platform enabling customers to configure and purchase their new vehicles remotely.

With every new VW model – including commercial vehicles – available to order online, all customers need to do is configure their selected model and lay down a $500 deposit before the designated dealership takes over to the rest of the process.

Once the deposit has been received, VGA says the dealership will be in contact within 48 hours to complete the purchase and manage the vehicle delivery.

"This enables customers freedom to purchase anytime while continuing to support our dealer network, which remains our brand's frontline and continues to do a great job even in these unprecedented circumstances," Volkswagen customer experience and marketing director Jason Bradshaw said.

According to VGA corporate communications general manager Paul Pottinger, the online platform had been in the works for quite some time “but the process was accelerated due to restrictions around COVID-19” and “is very likely to remain a fixture” in the VW buying experience.

For those thinking of trading in their current vehicle on a the new one, the system also boasts an online trading valuation feature where all the customer needs to do is enter the registration of the vehicle to be traded.

So far this year ending March, Volkswagen has managed to shift 9749 vehicles in total, 2617 units (21.2%) down on the same period last year as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis continues to wreak havoc on the new car market.