SWANSWAY GROUPS INVESTS MILLIONS IN MERSEYSIDE

Merseyside will soon see the return of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand to the city, after an absence of over six years.

The retailer group Swansway has invested almost £2m in a state-of-the-art van centre in Speke, bringing with it 15 new jobs.

Work started on the new Liverpool Volkswagen Van Centre in April, with the doors opening at the Woodend Avenue site in January.

The new centre will include a five van showroom, seven bay workshop and dedicated MOT bay.

David Cowan, Liverpool Volkswagen Van Centre’s brand manager, said: “Liverpool has been without a dedicated brand franchise for too long and we are delighted to bring Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles back to the city.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to providing businesses and van drivers on Merseyside with an official Volkswagen facility.

“The site will be one of biggest in the UK and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ only stand alone site in the country with the latest corporate branding, something we’re very proud of.

“As part of the new development we’ve created 15 new jobs and with future growth expected more jobs could be generated.”

The van centre is expected to generate sales of approximately 1,250 new and used vehicles in 2011, with a targeted increase in 2012.

David added: “Previously, Volkswagen van customers in Liverpool had to travel to Wrexham, Preston or Manchester for brand-backed sales.

“The new centre will remove the need for customers to travel any distance for all their Volkswagen needs.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old customers of the brand when we open in January.”

Simon Elliott, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK, said: “Liverpool is one of the UK’s thriving cities and we’re delighted Swansway has invested in a Volkswagen franchise for the city.

“This site will be a flagship Volkswagen van centre and we’re looking forward to watching the business grow.”