Volkswagen UK’s dealer showrooms get a revamp

It’s an interesting exercise to ponder on the future of main dealer showrooms as the world moves more and more towards an online buying experience. Are car showrooms a relic of the past or the perfect way, still, to showcase the offerings from a car maker? Volkswagen are taking no chances on the future and have already rolled out their ‘Digital Showrooms’ across the dealer network where staff get iPads and advanced web tools to try and bring the on-line and off-line worlds in to a workable intersection, and offer customers virtual product that wouldn’t otherwise be available on show.

Junction auto-brake for next Volvo XC90

THE NEXT Volvo XC90 will be able to brake itself if its driver attempts to pull out in front of an oncoming car, as one of two world-first safety innovations. This auto-brake technology detects whether an approaching car is technically on a collision course and will hit the stoppers to prevent a possible accident. However, there is no mention of an increased risk of rear-end collisions where drivers following the XC90 might also accelerate, not expecting the Volvo to stop suddenly.

Mercedes GLC Coupe SUV /Crossover planned

Mercedes GLC Coupe SUV /Crossover planned Four-door coupe versions of saloon cars have become a strong seller in the last few years, and now swoopy coupe SUVs are following the same path after the success of the BMW X6. BMW are building an X3 Coupe in the BMW X4, Mercedes are planning a Coupe version of the ML – the Mercedes MLC – and now they’re heading in to a fight with the BMW X4 by planning a coupe version of the next GLK – the Mercedes GLC. Car & Driver are reporting Mercedes’ plans to build a coupe version of the next GLK – which will already be a lot less boxy than the current GLK – and expected to hit Mercedes showrooms by 2016.