EIGHT Volvo sales consultants have achieved industry-standard recognition after only three months of working in the motor trade, as part of Volvo’s ‘New to Car Sales’ programme.
The programme aims to recruit new sales executives to meet growing demand across the network as Volvo continues to grow its sales volume in the UK.
Last year, Volvo Car UK launched an intensive 13-week induction programme, which supports its network of dealers to bring sales professionals from outside the motor industry into their sales teams.
The Volvo New to Car Sales programme is designed to help develop confident and outgoing individuals wanting to fulfil their potential in a retail sales environment.
The course challenges participants in all aspects of the car sales process, from meeting and greeting the customer, new product features and how the new modern-age customer connects with the dealer via social media.
The fast-track three-month induction gives sales-minded individuals a firm foundation within their careers and includes a strong support structure from Volvo’s training and regional management teams, as well as personal guidance from the dealership’s managers.
Following their completion of the Volvo New to Car Sales programme in August 2016, the eight newly-qualified Volvo sales consultants have now achieved their Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Level 2 Vehicle Sales award.
The industry-recognised achievement comes just three months after the group completed Volvo’s manufacturer training, with all consultants having joined the programme in April 2016 from non-automotive roles, including an air-conditioning engineer and a restaurant host.
Helen Davis, recruitment and engagement manager, Volvo Car UK, commented: ‘Our retailers have an immediate need to increase their capacity as our sales volumes continue to rise.
‘The New to Car Sale programme is a fantastic way to help them grow their talent pool because it brings highly driven individuals into the dealership who are keen to develop their sales skills.’
In total, 40 people have completed Volvo’s New to Car Sales programme, with a further 15 currently in training and 16 more set to start in Q1 2017. These eight graduates join 14 other sales consultants in Volvo’s 102-strong dealer network who have also achieved their IMI Level 2 Vehicle Sales award.
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