FAW-Volkswagen launches online sales platform to meet digital demands

FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co unveiled its official e-commerce platform in Beijing on Friday, with the aim of meeting the digital demands of its customers.

The one-stop service platform allows customers to browse, select, buy and even sell cars.

According to the company, the platform will provide customers with accurate vehicle information as well as smart product recommendations based on big data.

An online credit system will be used, provided by Tencent Cloud infrastructure and FAW's own financial risk control model, which will enable customers to receive credit approvals and feedback within five minutes.

Dong Xiuhui, deputy general manager of commerce of FAW-Volkswagen and general manager of FAW-Volkswagen Sales Co, said the e-commerce platform is a key step in adapting to the digital era and contributes to the company's transformation from a traditional automaker into a modern travel solutions provider.

People born in the 1990s have become the driving force in consumption in today's auto market and their digital demands pose new challenges to auto companies in the products they produce and the services they provide, according to FAW.

"We have made a series of digital changes in R&D, production and manufacturing," said Sun Huibin, executive deputy general manager of FAW-Volkswagen. "The e-commerce platform is a digital upgrade of sales channel."

The platform also enables dealers to develop new customer channels.

In addition to vehicle purchases, users will also receive marketing material, personalized recommendations for spare parts, maintenance solutions and invitations to exclusive events.

Before the platform's official launch, the company trialled it via a special sale of 888 limited edition VW T-Roc SUV models, which sold out in just 10 seconds.

The VW T-Roc can be personalized in many different ways. There are 11 color options, 36 optional extras and a total of 5,298 different option combinations available. FAW-Volkswagen said it will take 45 days from order to delivery.

The e-commerce platform will also function as a secondhand car market for both trade and personal sales.