8:32 am, July 20, 2012
VOLKSWAGEN UK has created a new tool for its dealer network offering buyers the same experience in a retailer as they would find on VW’s website.
The firm is equipping showrooms and staff with iPads and a range of advanced web tools, which will close the gap between the on- and off-line worlds, and allowing the manufacturer to showcase more models, specs and equipment than would be possible in even the largest outlet.
Volkswagen UK’s head of marketing, Rod McLeod, said: ‘We have an incredibly large and diverse model range, from the Up city car to the Phaeton saloon, and it’s simply not possible to display all these vehicles – even in a large showroom.
‘Using new technology allows our staff to bring the range to life, giving great representations of colours, interior trims and alloy wheels for example, and this is a really useful tool in the buying process – for customers and sales people alike.’
The digital showroom not only gives customers the opportunity to create their perfect car from the manufacturer’s comprehensive range; it also allows them to watch video clips that bring new technologies to life, for example, and use the iPads in the showroom to explore what’s available either on their own or with a sales executive.
‘Digital advances are taking place at an incredible rate and we need to keep up. But we don’t want to do this at the expense of personal interactions, which is why we’re not only developing our online presence but also trying to bring the digital and real worlds closer together.
‘As soon as people come into our showrooms we want them to feel that they’re in familiar surroundings. We’re trying to make the experience as seamless, easy and enjoyable as possible and we’re looking forward to making more changes in future,’ McLeod added.
