Volvo launches car subscription service

The Care by Volvo subscription service was launched alongside the new XC40 and aims to make car ownership as simple as owning a phone, with a nationally-agreed monthly fee.

After ordering online, Care by Volvo customers will drive away in a new car with every aspect of ownership already taken care of, including extras such as deposits, insurance, tax, service fees and age-related differences.

Depending on regional availability, there will also be a range of digital concierge services, such as fuelling, cleaning, service pick-up and e-commerce delivery to the car.

XC40 drivers in some countries will also be the first Volvo customers who can share their car with friends and family with a new digital key technology. This sharing feature comes as standard for Care by Volvo customers.

Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars (pictured above), 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.”

The new XC40 is the first model offered under the Care by Volvo service, but it will be expanded throughout the range over time.

Thomas Andersson, vice-president of Care by Volvo, said: “With a fixed monthly payment, Volvo Cars provides a truly customer-focused alternative to traditional purchase or leasing.”

Volvo has also increased its focus on digital customer experiences with the acquisition of Luxe, a US-based premium valet and concierge service company.

Care by Volvo is first available for buyers of the new XC40 in Italy, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain, the UK and United States.

Volvo Cars has been under the ownership of Geely Holding of China since 2010. It formed part of the Swedish Volvo Group until 1999, when the company was bought by Ford.