Volkswagen's Das WeltAuto Used Car Buying Experience

Volkswagen is launching "Das WeltAuto"- literally translated as "The World Car" - a long term commitment to make buying a used car as close to the experience of buying a new car as possible.

Any used car - Volkswagen or otherwise - with less than 100,000 miles, subject to achieving the required standards, can now be sold as an approved 'Da WeltAuto' car.

Alongside the expectation of quality that comes with buying a used car direct from a manufacturer Volkswagen is also taking the complete buying experience into consideration with the importance of a flexible package that meets customers' requirements.

There are three key elements to any Das WeltAuto car. These are:

Guarantees and Checks (what you expect)

Minimum 12 month Volkswagen All Component warranty

30 day / 1,000 mile "no quibble" exchange promise

Full history check

Comprehensive testing and reconditioning

Preparation to Volkswagen standard

Plus one option from the following list (plus choice for the customer):

1 year's Volkswagen Roadside Assistance free of charge

3 years' MOT protection free of charge

MOT tests for life free of charge

£100 worth of accessories

£100 off a used car service plan

3. Extras you can add (plus flexibility of car choice):

For each vehicle advertised, the Retailer will suggest a number of approved accessories to enhance and personalise the vehicle, for example, alloy wheel upgrades; parking sensors; cruise control; satellite navigation; or Bluetooth / iPod connectivity. The prices shown will include VAT and fitting costs where appropriate to make the process as transparent as possible.

Behind the launch of the scheme is Volkswagen's Dave Wilding. He comments: "Despite our best efforts there is a still a gap between the new and used car purchase experience. In launching Das WeltAuto, we're attempting to close that gap and to match the used car and the package that comes with it to the requirements of the customer."

He continues: "We've worked hard to develop the right components for the programme and also on branding and marketing. Wherever customers see the orange Das WeltAuto branding they'll know they'll get a great customer experience."

Wilding adds: "When we sell a new car we make sure the customer has all the information on, for example, their vehicle's warranty and roadside assistance package. This often isn't the case with a used car and sometimes customers don't even know what benefits they've purchased with their car. With Das WeltAuto each product will have a brochure with a clear explanation to the customer."

The new Das WeltAuto approved used car scheme has been trialled for a year in 21 Volkswagen Retailers in South West England and South Wales with successful results and some useful learnings. It will be rolled out to the rest of the network over the next few weeks and officially goes live on Good Friday - 22nd April 2011. "We hope this will be a very Good day for our used car customers," concludes Wilding, "and will mark the start of a big change in used car retailing."