In a bid to boost sales and improve consumer confidence, Volvo has announced that it is bringing back its free maintenance program for the 2009 model year. The Swedish automaker – which is owned by Ford – offered a free maintenance program in the past, but discontinued it in 2006.
The decision to bring back the program was championed by Volvo dealers, who needed a new strategy to get buyers back in the doors. “I expect more customers,” one Volvo dealer told Automotive News. “They will bring the car in more often, and it will be better maintained — which means less problems and improved value.”
In addition to improving store traffic, dealers are also hopeful the program with quell any fears of the uncertainty of the brand. Ford announced early this month that Volvo was up for strategic review, which is essentially another way of saying for sale.
Free maintenance programs were fairly common among luxury brands until recently. Mercedes-Benz and Audi cancelled their programs in 2005 and 2007, respectively, while only a handful of automakers – including BMW and MINI – still offer free maintenance. Volvo’s coverage will extend for 3 years or 36,000 miles, while BMW’s program covers 4 years or 50,000 miles.
