Volvo is planning to further invest in the brand and its network of dealers with the launch of its Sponsored Dealer Programme.
While not a unique concept by the Swedish manufacturer, the Volvo Sponsored Dealer Programme is a first for Volvo in the UK and will play a pivotal part in meeting its target of 60,000 UK car sales by 2020.
Volvo will give talented motor trade professionals with a proven track record of running successful individual or small group dealerships the opportunity to set up their own Volvo dealership, with the support of Volvo Car UK. This support includes securing the site and providing backing that will enable the individual to access credit facilities that may otherwise be out of reach.
Volvo plans for six sponsored dealers to go live over the coming years, with work on the first dealership, located in the Midlands, already underway at a new-build site which incorporates the brand’s latest Scandinavian-inspired showroom design cues. Volvo will take on the leases for the properties and each site will be set up as a Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) dealer from day one.
As part of Volvo’s human-centric approach, the dealers will be hand-picked and will gain ownership of a Volvo franchise. Volvo will support the dealership to nurture the business in line with brand strategy requirements and to support individuals in getting up to speed with operating a multi-million-pound business.
