After taking a year off to deal with my health issues, I am back to work. More specifically I am back to traveling and flying for work. I have been invited by Volvo Canada to learn more about Care by Volvo.
I don’t really miss this part. Up at 5am for a 830 flight. Waiting in line at security because the woman and kids ahead of me are unorganized. Everyone seems grumpy as we board the plane. Even the flight attends act annoyed. Cramped into our tight seats, people pissed off that their excessive carry on items are not fitting. Uncomfortable, no wifi, crappy movies and bad over priced food.
Waiting to get off the plane. Sitting at the Toronto airport, waiting for my luggage. More frustrated people, the noise and then even more waiting.
The shuttle to the hotel is 15 minutes late.
Check in and getting settled into my hotel room did not go smoothly. I had so badly wanted to relax in a bubble bath. The one thing I hate about RV living; no bathtub.
Tried, jet lagged and in a very shitty mood. I went to the hotel bar for dessert and Baileys.
This event I am attending is not really about new cars or new technology in cars. Though the new 2019 S60 and V60 are going to be available for us to drive. The main focus of this event is Care by Volvo. Canada’s first car subscription program.
As I enjoy my cheesecake and sip on my Baileys on ice; I don’t really understand what ‘subscription’ is all about. Care by Volvo has been in the states for several months so I am able to do some investigation before the presentation tomorrow.
For one monthly price you get a car and all the basic maintenance you will need for 24 months. Seems simple and I still don’t understand what all the fuss is about.
At the presentation I learn what basic maintenance is covered in a 24 month subscription. Your winter to summer tire swaps, oil changes, minor wear and tear as well as concierge service. Everything needed to make sure your new car always runs in tip top shape.
We get to try the customer experience first hand. Go to volvocars.com and look for Care by Volvo. Click. And with in seconds, redirected and able to start the process.
The process is simple and fast.
Pick the car. Only the 2019 S60 and V60 are available through Care by Volvo. They can only be configure one of two ways. In the R-design or Momentum. This option is the only thing that will effect your monthly price.
$949 per month for the Momentum trim or $1049 per month for the R-design. Period. You will pay the same amount no matter what province you live in. No haggling with the salesman hoping that you are getting best deal.
In fact, did you notice at this point you haven’t even had to leave the comfort of you own home? You don’t have to go into the dealership until your car is ready to take home.
Pick your paint color. Pay a fully refundable deposit of $500. And you are done. Cars will be ready for delivery January 2019.
The whole process of selecting a car and subscribing took under ten minutes. The Care by Volvo launched today, October 16, 2018. They already had the first subscription placed fifteen minutes after launching. Anyone subscribing now, will take delivery of their new car in January 2019.
I like this concept. However, it seems like a lot of money to me to spend on a new vehicle.
As our group of influences try the experience and ask questions to the Volvo team we are also given the chance to Fika. A wonderful cultures thing done in Sweden. Literally translates into coffee break. I realize how much more Fika, really is.
When was the last time you disconnected, enjoyed a cake and a perfect Swedish latte? In our busy lives. Work, emails, texting, family, social media, dog, gym and repeat. Business seems to be the accepted norm in our lives today.
Care by Volvo.
Suddenly, I get it. I understand so clearly as I sip on my latte and connect with the other people in the room.
Care by Volvo has very little to do with either of the fabulous vehicles that are available. The subscription you purchase is about your time. It is about making a normally stressful experience and turning it into something simple and easy.
The price tag might seem high if that is all you look at. However, this new process eliminates all the stress normally associated with buying a new car.
I thought to myself “What is my time worth?”
This means, no car shopping, no haggling, no stress. No worry about file changes or winter tires. If any issues arise during your subscription. Concierge service gives you piece of mind.
Only one small improvement I would like to see. I wish they delivered your new car right to your house! As it is now, when the car is ready you will need to make time to go into the dealership to sign all the papers.
Anyone living a busy life and wanting to drive a luxurious brand, Care by Volvo is a no brainer. Keep car ownership simple so you have more time for more important things in your life.
