Volvo and Amazon Prime Now combine to offer test drives

What can't you order online these days?

Scott Collie

14:0123 May 2018

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Volvo has teamed up with Amazon to offer tech-savvy potential buyers a test drive, provided they live in a specific part of the UK.

Starting in London (June 9/10) and running through Birmingham (16/17 June), Manchester (23/24 June) and Edinburgh (30 June/1 July), the program will allow Amazon Prime Now subscribers to book a test drive of the V40 and have the car delivered to their door.

Once it arrives, they'll have 45 minutes on local roads with the car. If they're keen, they can continue to testing or purchasing process at a Volvo dealership.

"At Volvo, we aim to make people’s lives easier. Our Prime Now test drive offer does just that, allowing potential customers to try our V40 on their terms and in familiar surroundings," said Jon Wakefield, Volvo's boss in the United Kingdom.

"We’re proud to team up with Amazon to deliver this unique initiative — the first of its kind in the UK and the latest in a range of offerings from Volvo designed to take the hassle out of running a car."

This joins the Care by Volvo service launched alongside the XC40 SUV last year, which allows buyers to pay a monthly subscription fee for their cars instead of a traditional leasing program.

Closer to home, Holden and Subaru have started selling their cars online. Alpine is also reportedly looking into online sales.

Holden's program was only a pilot, aimed at Melbourne metro buyers after research suggested 30 per cent of customers would consider buying a car online.

Subaru was first to the punch, though, offering the BRZ coupe through an online store. Like the Holden pilot, the Subaru system allowed drivers to arrange a trade in and dealt with all contracts.