Colin-on-Cars

 Volkswagen launches new service plan

Legislation changes making it possible for car owners to service outside of a franchised delaer group and the fact automakers have to specify the cost of service plans and make them optional mean the processes have to be re-imagined. 

Volkswagen has kicked this off with its EasyDrive Vehicle Plans that offer a comprehensive service and maintenance programme. 

“The EasyDrive Vehicle plans give our customers peace-of-mind motoring and benefits like protection against inflation as prices are fixed at today’s rates for future servicing and maintenance costs, transferability from the current owner to a new owner and enhanced resale value with a full service history,” says Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.   

Customers have the option to extend the EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000 km. 

The comprehensive EasyDrive Maintenance Plan covers all costs (parts and labour) associated with scheduled vehicle services, repairs of defective components and wear and tear items (excluding tyres) that need to be replaced as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance. The EasyDrive Service Plan covers all manufacturer-specific scheduled service requirements, including parts and labour costs. 

“At Volkswagen, we offer a seamless after sales customer experience. Included in our EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans is access to and the technical expertise of the 109-strong Dealer Network in Southern Africa, more than 40 000 genuine Volkswagen vehicle parts that are available in the country as well as customer care in the form of 24-hour Roadside Assistance,” added Knapp.  

The added benefit of the vehicle plans is the availability of parts in South Africa; Volkswagen has one of the biggest footprints when it comes to vehicle parts in Southern Africa. In South Africa, Volkswagen has 32 000 sq/m Parts facilities in Cape Town and Centurion, Pretoria. 

Using the WeConnect Go App, Volkswagen drivers are able to book a vehicle service on the app. Using the digital Service Cam feature, a technician is able to diagnose an issue on the car and show this to the customer via video, the customer is then able to give approval before repairs are made on the vehicle.

 The Volkswagen Dealer Network uses master technicians who utilise cutting-edge tools and equipment for repair work and to update the latest available software so that drivers can enjoy the best performance and driving dynamics.

The 24-hour Roadside Assistance also offers Volkswagen customers benefits like towing, fuel (for the customer’s account) and jump-starting in the unlikely event of a flat battery.