Jacob G.
Jan 31, 2026
Written with one of Jacob’s carers, who attended Vertu Volvo Truro with him.
Our experience with Vertu Volvo was, sadly, deeply distressing. It began positively: staff were friendly, sensitive, and made a genuine effort to include Jacob. The test drive itself was a good experience. Unfortunately, what followed completely undermined that initial goodwill.
From the outset, we were very clear — on multiple occasions — that we were not ready to order a car. Jacob wanted his other carer to be present for such a decision, but he was unable to attend at the time as he was caring for his mother, who has Alzheimer’s. This was clearly explained.
Despite this, we were repeatedly reassured by Chris at every step that we were not committing to or ordering a vehicle. We were told the process was merely being demonstrated for clarity and expediency, and that nothing would be submitted until we returned with Jacob’s other carer, whose input was essential as he would also be a named driver when caring for Jacob.
It was therefore extremely upsetting to later realise that the car had, in fact, been ordered in a way that committed Jacob when he had been assured he hadn’t.
When I immediately questioned this on his behalf and asked whether we were truly not committed — as we had been explicitly assured only moments earlier — we were told that cancelling would require a “very good reason” and that Jacob might even lose his Motability entitlement if he did not proceed with the Volvo.
This was appalling. The fear-based implication and contradiction of previous assurances caused Jacob significant distress. He was left extremely anxious, did not sleep that night, and felt completely misled. Jacob lives with physical illness, but also important to this situation PTSD stemming from childhood abuse and neglect.
This experience severely damaged his confidence and turned what should have been a positive step toward greater independence into a deeply upsetting ordeal.
In contrast, the following day Jacob visited Vospers Ford, who were outstanding. They spent hours supporting him, helping him regain confidence, and ensuring he chose a vehicle that genuinely suited both him and both of his carers. They listened — something that did not happen at Vertu Volvo — and helped him select an electric car, what he wanted, despite the Volvo dealership having previously told him he “shouldn’t”.
This experience with Vertu Volvo left Jacob feeling pressured, misinformed, and unsafe in what should have been a supportive and transparent process. That is not acceptable, particularly when working with vulnerable customers and Vertu Volvo failed on this occasion.
As a long-standing Motability dealer partner we have years of experience and many very happy customers who appreciate our care & attention when choosing their new Motability vehicle, particularly when dealing with more vulnerable customers, so it is important to understand what went wrong and how we can ensure this doesn't happen again.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you, should you be willing to do so. If so, please call 01872 326161 asking for myself or Brett Willey, Sales Manager.
Kind regards
Tom Rothwell
General Manager