VAN CENTRES NEW SERVICE GETS CUSTOMERS MOVING

A Bury St Edmunds van centre is helping motorists with disabilities get into the driving seat after being awarded Motability Premier Partner status.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds) is delighted to receive the Motability accreditation which will expand its existing services enabling customers to take advantage of the Government’s mobility allowance.

The Motability Scheme – run by not-for-profit organisation Motability - offers individuals with disabilities who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, a brand new vehicle every three years.

The scheme includes insurance, personal accident cover, aftersales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles over the three years and free tyre replacement.

The Northern Way van centre can provide drivers with the complete range of Volkswagen commercial vehicles and is expecting the seven seat passenger vehicles, such as the Caddy Maxi Life and Caravelle, to be most popular.

“Motability customers can feel confident that an expert is always on hand to provide advice on who is eligible for the scheme and how to apply,” explains David Nichols, head of business at Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds).

“We are continually looking at ways in which to improve our facilities and services for our customers and hope our new Motability status will be welcomed by Bury St Edmund drivers,” concluded David.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds) is suitably equipped for motability customers, offering designated disabled toilets, parking and a spacious hospitality lounge area to ensure customers receive a trouble-free motoring experience.

If you would like more details about how Volkswagen Van Centre (Bury St Edmunds) contact John Clarke on 01284 715900

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or sue@connect-group.com

MOTABILITY BOOST FOR RETAILER

A Cheltenham retailer has been boosted after two of its team qualified as Motability specialists.

Cheltenham Volkswagen, now has fully accredited staff members able to give advice and support to customers eligible for Motability allowance.

Paul Glew (49) and Nathan Robinson (33) spent two years training for the qualifications are now able to offer expert advice on the scheme, which enables drivers with a disability to use their government-funded Mobility allowance to obtain a brand new car every three years.

Paul from Cheltenham and Nathan from Tewskesbury have both worked at Cheltenham Volkswagen for over three years, and will now be primarily responsible for looking after Motability customers, helping them choose the right car under the scheme.

Phil Smale, brand manager at the Tewksbury Road retailer, said: “Motability greatly increases the quality of life for disabled people and provides them with much-valued independence without the associated costs of buying a new car, so we felt it was vital to have staff on hand to give honest advice.

“It is great news that we have Paul and Nathan at the retailer who can advise customers on Motability. We find most people with disabilities know about the scheme but do not necessarily know how it works or what cars would best suit them.”

Motability specialist, Paul, said: “I’m looking forward to giving customers clear advice on their eligibility for the scheme and how to apply, as well as details of which cars are available under it.”

Nathan added: “Both Paul and I are happy to share our expertise and suggest adjustments to cars to make driving as easy as possible.”

The Motability scheme is available to anyone who receives the ‘higher rate mobility component’ of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

It includes insurance, personal accident cover, after sales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles over a three-year period, and free tyre replacement.

ROBINSONS VAN CENTRE GETS DISABLED DRIVERS ON THE ROAD

A Norwich van centre is helping more disabled people get into the driving seat after introducing its Motability service.

Robinsons Van Centre now has two dedicated two Motability experts in response to customer feedback and has undergone a series of inspections to achieve the Motability Scheme accreditation.

Motability customers can feel confident that an expert is always on hand to provide advice on who is eligible for the scheme and how to apply, as well as details on the full range of Volkswagen commercial vehicles available.

The Mobility scheme – run by not-for-profit organisation Motability – enables disabled people to use the government mobility allowance to buy a new vehicle at an affordable price, as well as have any necessary adaptations made.

David Marjoram, sales manager at the Robinsons van Center, strongly believes in providing a comprehensive service for his customers. He said: “We are continually looking at ways in which to improve our services for our customers.

“The Caravelle and Caddy Maxi Life provide the additional space, comfort and the practicability for conversions, making them suitable for motability customers.

“We hope our increased expertise will make it as easy as possible for people who are entitled to the allowance to make use of the Motability scheme.”

Anyone receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement is eligible for the scheme.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

CIRENCESTER RETAILER INVESTS THOUSANDS IN TRAINING

A Cirencester retailer is only one of a handful in the country to have trained its entire customer facing staff to provide specialist advice to Motability customers.

Northfield Garages Volkswagen has invested over £4,000 to ensure the eight staff give customers eligible for Motability allowances first class advice and support at the showroom.

All sales staff and service advisors are now able to offer expert advice on the scheme, which enables drivers with a disability to use their government-funded mobility allowance to obtain a brand new car every three years.

Depending on a customer’s needs and budget, the Motability team provide expert advice on choosing the right car under the scheme.

Mark Foulston, brand manager at the Cricklade Road retailer, said that it was vital the team were fully versed in the terms and benefits of the scheme and the full range of vehicles available.

He said: “Motability greatly increases quality of life for disabled people and provides them with much-valued independence without the associated costs of buying a new car, so we felt it was vital to invest in the necessary training to bring each member of staff up to speed on the scheme.

“It is important we have a team of expertly trained staff who can advise customers on Motability. We find most people with disabilities know about the scheme but do not necessarily know how it works or what cars would best suit them.

“Each member of the team is able to give customers clear advice on their eligibility for the scheme and how to apply, as well as details of which cars are available under it. They are also well placed to advise on what adjustments can be made to a car to make driving as easy as possible.”

The Motability scheme is available to anyone who receives the ‘higher rate mobility component’ of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

It includes insurance, personal accident cover, after sales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles over a three-year period, and free tyre replacement.

Mark added: “We’re confident that we can provide the best advice and service for people in the area who are thinking about applying for a car through the scheme, and we’re happy to share our expertise with anyone who wants to discuss their requirements and eligibility.”

MOTABILITY DRIVERS PRAISE VOLKSWAGEN ADVISOR

An aftersales specialist from Belfast Volkswagen has been recognised by the nation’s Motability drivers for her outstanding customer service.

Alison Apsley, from Isaac Agnew Volkswagen, was awarded the prestigious title of Northern Ireland’s Motability Aftersales Specialist, following a public vote from drivers of motability cars.

Having joined the Boucher Road retailer 11 years ago as a warranty and service administrator, Alison has dedicated the past five years to motability, helping to make customers’ motoring experiences more enjoyable and hassle-free.

The annual Motability Supplier Awards organised by The Motability Scheme recognises the very best individuals and dealerships across the UK.

The Motability scheme – run by not-for-profit organisation Motability – enables disabled people to use the government motability allowance to buy a new car at an affordable price, as well as have any necessary adaptations made.

Speaking of her delight at receiving the award, Alison said: “It was a lovely surprise to receive this award and a real honour to know that customers have voted for me”

Brian Robinson, Isaac Agnew’s managing director added: “ With over 6,000 motability customers Alison does a first-class job ensuring all their servicing and aftercare needs are met.

“Alison’s award is testament to her hard work and dedication and we are very pleased to have her as part of our team.”

For more information on the Motability service at Isaac Agnew please call 028 9023 4477.


Picture caption: Alison Apsley presents her award.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or suefoster@connect-group.com

CORKILLS GIVES DISABLED MOTORISTS A BOOST

A Wigan car retailer is holding a special event to highlight a scheme which enables disabled drivers to use their government-funded mobility allowance to obtain a new car.

The Motability event – taking place at the Corkills Volkswagen in Wallgate on June 1st and 2nd – is aimed at promoting a better understanding of how people can benefit from the scheme.

One Motability customer who has been taking advantage of the Motability for over nine years is 68-year-old Arnold Stirzaker, from Chorley, who has just picked up his third Volkswagen Polo from Corkills.

Mr Stirzaker suffers from Parkinsons and has difficulty moving. “Motability has helped my wife Patricia and I keep our independence. If it wasn’t for the car we would have to rely on our children to take us shopping and visiting friends.

“The service at Corkills is always excellent; they make really helpful suggestions, such as by choosing a three door instead of a five and getting a slightly bigger engine to make driving easier.

“I’d recommend everyone who is eligible for the Motability scheme to go along to the event and see how it can benefit them.”

Anyone in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement is eligible for Motability.

Corkills’ brand manager Carl Hazelton added: “Motability is a great way for people with a disability to be mobile and have the freedom to travel.

“Corkills has been running Motability events for five years and has expertly trained staffs who are able to offer advice on what cars are most suitable and any adjustments that need to be made.”

A Motability specialist will be at the event to offer advice on how people can use the scheme. There is no need to book.

If you are interested in this story please contact Richard Knowles on 01902 714 957 or email richard@connect-group.com