Volkswagen Group Singapore launches used car division - Das WeltAuto

Volkswagen has officially started its used car business, named Das WeltAuto (German for 'The World Car'), in Singapore.

The first Das WeltAuto was set up in Germany in 2010 and the brand has since expanded to many countries around the world. Within the Asia-Pacific region, there are Das WeltAuto dealerships in China, Japan and India.

Given the high prices of new cars these days, Volkswagen is positioning the used car business to reach out to more customers by saving them tens of thousands.

For instance, a one-year old Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI costs $135,800, as compared to a brand new one at $174,800.

Being the only car manufacturer to directly run a used car operation locally, this integrated set-up allows Das WeltAuto and the various departments to work closely together to offer highly competitive trade-in deals and the best possible aftersales support to customers.

For example, if a trade-in car has no service history with Volkswagen Group Singapore, it will be rejected from entering Das WeltAuto's inventory.

All used Volkswagen cars sold by Das WeltAuto are under four years old and have covered less than 90,000km. They go through a stringent 115-point check and come with a minimum 12-month warranty.

Servicing, grooming and touch-ups are done before a car is finally approved for sale. Buyers will also receive a Certificate of Quality that guarantees the mileage and service history.

Of course, these quality measures come with a premium. General Manager of Das WeltAuto, Eric Chua, estimated that Das WeltAuto's cars cost around $5,000 to $6,000 more than comparable pre-owned Volkswagen cars sold in the market.

The new division of Volkswagen Group Singapore operates out of a brand new showroom at 1 Chang Charn Road - just a few steps away from Volkswagen's Alexandra facility.

A new fully featured website has also been created for Das WeltAuto in Singapore. Customers will be able to search for their ideal used car by the exact model and price range, and also view nine photographs of every car.

Family activities have been planned for its official launch this weekend, including an Easter Egg Hunt as well as an Old versus New guessing game.