Master thesis: A new dawn for the Heavy Truck Dealer Network

Job description

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future? If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match. 

In the automotive business, the dealer network is an instrumental part of the complete business for a vehicle manufacturer (OEM). The dealer has a direct contact with the potential end customer, owns the transaction when the vehicle is sold, keeps relations to the customers, and services their vehicles. The goal is to capture all potential business with the customer and to trigger recurring sales. This is true for both cars and trucks.

 

In recent years, the ‘captive’ dealer network has seen quite a lot of competition from independent workshops and service centers. Further, many OEMs are experimenting with direct sales – the dealer becomes merely a sales agent, but the sales transaction takes place directly between the OEM and the end customer. The purpose of this direct model is to better control pricing, save cost and to set up a direct relation between the customer and the OEM without local dealers acting as intermediaries.

 

This erosion of the dealer network duties, paired with the possibility that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) will need less service than combustion-engine vehicles, means that there is an interest to describe what other functions the Heavy Truck Dealer Network could perform in the future. Can all incumbent customer knowledge, competence and historical importance be refocused to fulfil other customer needs than selling and servicing the vehicle? Does electrification of the vehicle fleet offer any new business opportunities? Does the need of safe and convenient resting and charging hubs for truck drivers mean that dealers can transform their business focus? The dealers are interested in finding new business horizons. That is the challenge of this thesis!  

 

Contact: Martin Claesson, martin.claesson@volvo.com
 

Last application date 1st of january 2025, but we will continuously evaluate candidates so don't wait with your application!

 

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

 

Who we are and what we believe in 
Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.

 

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group . Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities. 

 

Group Trucks Technology are seeking talents to help design sustainable transportation solutions for the future. As part of our team, you’ll help us by engineering exciting next-gen technologies and contribute to projects that determine new, sustainable solutions. Bring your love of developing systems, working collaboratively, and your advanced skills to a place where you can make an impact. Join our design shift that leaves society in good shape for the next generation.

Job Category:  Technology Engineering

Organization:  Group Trucks Technology

Travel Required:  No Travel Required

Requisition ID:  15671