QUOTE OF THE WEEK
❝ We have stated the very clear ambition that, by 2039, Mercedes-benz will have a fully Co2-neutral fleet. Electrification is the magic word here. We are in a transformational stage with mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and a host of EVS. Can we achieve it by 2035 or sooner? We don’t need to debate that now. We need to get on with it. ❞
to if they have a problem. The sales process may change, but retaining customers is truly important.”
You’ve come into Volvo from outside the car industry, with a background in online. Have you found the industry prepared to adapt?
“Some Volvo retailers have been moving into online on their own, but if they all did that, it would be fragmented. That’s where we come into the picture, to make sure it’s done in a joined-up way, protecting the business model and the whole Volvo brand.
“When you look at retail ecommerce, two players – Amazon and Alibaba – have 40% of all online trade. I’m not saying that would be the case [in the car industry] but you might see a reasonable development in that direction if we don’t make sure we meet customer expectations.
“The willingness to do that in Volvo is very high and we need to make sure everybody knows this is something we’re trying to do together – and not just something that benefits Volvo.”
Autocar Business is our industry-focused brand, delving deeper into the business of the automotive world. Sign up for our regular bulletin at autocar.co.uk/business-signup.