It isn’t a surprise that in troubled times like these, carmakers are betting on enhanced digitalisation to keep their shops running. The latest to join the bandwagon is Volvo Cars India. It has launched something called the ‘Volvo Contactless Program’. The idea is to bring the needs and requirements of both consumers and prospective customers online, so there is no need for any physical contact.

What all can one do under this new initiative by the Swedish carmaker? Existing Volvo customers can book a service for their car online with their nearest authorised dealership. And those who are planning to purchase a new vehicle can do so by filling out a simple form. The buying process also includes digitised finance offers, online documentation and test drive process. Although Volvo will only begin to offer test drives only post relaxation of lockdown norms. Once the formalities are out of the way, the company will arrange a contactless delivery as well.

Of course, not everyone would want to buy a car online without experiencing it. For those, Volvo Cars India has another ace up its sleeve. Here’s the hashtag, which is a must these days to click with new consumers, that the Swedish carmaker has devised: #SafestPlaceToBe. That is a hint. As part of the initiative, all Volvo dealer facilities are going through a disinfection process. Apart from that, every single person working has received Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as sanitisers.

What about the test drive vehicles? Well, those will go through a similar decontamination process with the help of some disinfectants by 3M. Volvo claims that those will ensure the elimination of at least 99 per cent microbes in the vehicle. While all that may be true, everyone should take care of their hygiene and carry at least a sanitiser and a face mask everywhere.