COMPANY car drivers can expect an improved level of service from Volvo dealers as part of a new initiative.

The Corporate Sales Standards programme introduces a range of minimum standards and establishes a two-tier network to designate dealers as Business Centres or Business Specialists.

Volvo says Business Centres are the most highly qualified and commit to providing the highest possible standards of service to fleet users in sales, service and training, while Business Specialists have dedicated business sales staff to develop fleet sales on a local level and handle user choosers on a more professional basis.

Ian Rendle, Volvo corporate sales manager, said: 'We want to ensure the service our dealers are providing to the fleet manager, user-chooser and company car driver keeps one step ahead of our increase in sales.'

Meanwhile, Volvo is organising a series of ride and drive events over the next two months, giving more than 500 fleet decision-makers the chance to try its range of products.

Rendle added: 'One of our key strategies in 2003 is to get more people behind the wheel of a Volvo for the first time as we are confident this experience will quickly turn into increased fleet sales. This regional tour will accelerate this effort.'

The five-stop tour is travelling around the UK from Berkshire and Essex to Northumberland and Lancashire, and will include the XC90, revised S80 and bi-fuel models as well as high performance R models.

Volvo sold nearly 22,000 cars to fleets in 2002 – more than 50% of total sales – and is expecting new models to achieve further growth in the fleet sector.

For more information on the events contact the Volvo Business Centre on 0845 600 4000.