I returned my Volvo (pull ahead) a few weeks ago to a dealer, and calling VCFS they said the car has not been grounded. I think it means that no final statement on the car condition has been reported? So some questions I have:
Was the car “flying” before it was “grounded”? Why not use the term “in play”, “not settled”. Is there any origin to the word?
How does grounding relate to the different statuses related to return? Inspection, report to finance company, final account bill, return of deposit, closing of account?
What are you liable for and up to what point?
Any concerns with a delay between turn in and grounding?
Grounding means that the dealer has reported to the lessor that the car has been returned. It should be done promptly by the dealer (so I’d give them a call ASAP). Once you turn the vehicle into the dealer, you shouldn’t be liable for anything. Volvo would presumably have you sign something that says that you returned the lease early for pull ahead, so you don’t need to worry about liability
Grounding has nothing to do w/ vehicle condition or final statement, its an acknowledgement by the dealer to the captive, that you returned your vehicle. As Tony mentions, it should be done the day you turn in your car to the dealership, and its your receipt from a liability perspective.
The final vehicle condition report can lag behind by a few days/weeks, but grounding should be immediate.
If the dealer never reported the grounding, you’ll still be billed the monthly payments. Have you logged into your VCFS account recently? If so, what does it say?
