Volkswagen: VW core brand reorganizes dealer network

VW

The Volkswagen Group brand VW Passenger wants to create new opportunities for the trading partners.

(Photo: AP)

The Volkswagen-Konzernmarke VW Passenger Cars is re-launching its dealer network in Europe with a focus on e-mobility and networking. The aim is to keep the trade as an “elementary interface to the customer”, said Brand Sales Director Jürgen Stackmann after a dealer conference. Although the dealer network in Germany will be slimmed down, there will be “no significant reduction” in Europe. At first he did not name details.

The contracts with Europe-wide about 3,500 trading partners would be terminated at the end of the first quarter, new contracts should apply after two years’ notice from April 2020. With the new contracts should be achieved that the dealers a “clear perspective with VW” received, explained Stackmann. “The changes are urgently needed to achieve sustainability,” emphasized the manager.

Digitization puts pressure on car dealership: “It’s not about building new car dealerships, but creating clever new opportunities for trading partners.” Mobility services that enable digitization would have to be explained to customers. It’s also about e-commerce and its own Volkswagen online sales. It was agreed at the conference that the talks on the new model would be extended until the end of June. By Christmas, the contracts should be signed.

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