VWFS launches online used car platform

Markus Kröger, who previously held management positions at PayPal and Delivery Hero, is the new CEO of the start-up business.

HeyCar will work closely with auto dealers for all the automobile brands active in Germany and serve as an agent, dispensing with the need for commercial sales promotions or purchased advertisements.

Dr. Christian Dahlheim, chief sales officer at Volkswagen Financial Services, said: “HeyCar is a key instrument with which we intend to develop the used car potential in the market.

“We will not only take away market share from the current top dogs in the market, mobile.de and Autoscout.24.de, we also have the aspiration of positioning ourselves in the medium to long-term as the number one platform for premium pre-owned cars in Germany.”

He added that existing initiatives would continue, such as supporting showroom-based dealerships with training and products.

HeyCar intends to provide benefits for consumers through the pre-selection of dealers and the pre-screening of vehicles to create more security and trust. Dealers benefit because they receive higher quality leads through the pre-classification of customers, while there are additional revenue opportunities, such as the sale of financial services products.

Anthony Bandmann, chairman of the management board of Volkswagen Leasing, said: “HeyCar operates independently of the group. It is a genuine and dynamic start-up.

“Already by the end of 2017, HeyCar will be working with over 100 affiliated dealers and list more than 70,000 vehicles. By the middle of 2018, HeyCar will then be active throughout the whole of Germany.”

Kröger said: “We would like to invite all brand dealers to place their cars free of charge with HeyCar. Every brand is welcome.”