Volvo is planning to launch a new online purchasing program in a effort to reduce spending and reach a growing audience of digital shoppers.

"The plan is to have all our car lines in all our markets offered digitally," said Volvo sales chief Alain Visser to Reuters.

However, the company will not be cutting out their dealers with their new service. Visser says the company will still use dealers to fulfill orders. The introduction of online purchasing will allow Volvo to center its marketing efforts on the digital space.

Volvo also announced that it plans on reducing its auto show participation to one major event per region (Europe, Asia, North America) and stage its own global event.

Source: Reuters

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if the transaction happens online, where does that really leave the dealers.  Is this another Tesla?

No. Volvo will be keeping the dealers around. That's where owners will pick up their vehicles if they decide to order online.

I have noticed that over the past two years more and more companies are taking the initiative to set up shop online since we're all on our 4g smartphones and tablets 90% of the day. Not surprising at all.