Volvo announces pay-monthly subscription programme for new XC40 SUV
Volvo is taking the idea of a pay-monthly approach to car ownership to a new extreme with the upcoming XC40.
Announcing the launch of the new compact SUV, Volvo has also revealed plans for a “subscription” service that will cover everything from the car lease cost to insurance, taxes and servicing.
The Swedish manufacturer saysthe“carebyvolvo”scheme will make having a car as transparent, easy and hassle free as having a phone, with a national, ready-negotiated monthly fee, combined with getting a new car every 24 months.
Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, said: “With Care by Volvo, we introduce a new car access for the modern age. In a time where consumers are used to transparent flat fees for all sorts of services, the traditional process of buying and owning a car can be perceived as rather complicated. Care by Volvo changes all of that.”
While current PCP deals feature a fixed monthly cost they also usually require a deposit and leave most other running costs to the driver. Under Volvo’s scheme traditional extras such as deposits, insurances, taxes, service fees and geographical or customer agerelated differences are all covered by the flat fee.
In some areas customers will even have access to a digital concierge who can arrange to have the car picked up and fuelled, cleaned or serviced at the click of a button.
The XC40 is the first model to be built on the company’s all-new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform. Designed primarily for the city, it features much of the advanced connectivity, entertainment and safety technology from Volvo’s newest 60 and 90 series cars.
It will be available in twoandfour-wheeldriveandfrom launch comes with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. Volvo says other drivetrains, presumably including a hybrid, will be launched at later dates.
Order books for the compact SUV are now open with prices starting at £27,905. First customer deliveries are expected early next year.