Aberdeen business helps support students future

An Aberdeen business has confirmed its commitment to teenage students from a Lower Deeside secondary school.

Volkswagen car retailer, Specialist Cars, has strengthened its support for Cults Academy’s vocational car mechanic course, in order to provide a realistic insight into the automotive sector.

The two-year course is still in its infancy with student numbers increasing year-on-year.

It is reliant on the support of high profile businesses and industry bodies to deliver a realistic curriculum for its students, as Cults Academy’s department head, Peter Flood, explains.

He said: “It is imperative that educational establishments, such as the Cults Academy, makes a concerted effort to help make students employable.

“Specialist Cars has invested a considerable amount of time and resources into the students’ projects and studies providing an invaluable insight into the motor industry and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

In addition to the mock interviews, the Volkswagen car retailer’s service manager, Scott Brunton, has attended career advice sessions and has committed to supporting the academy’s student 12 week work placement programme.

Scott, said: “Specialist Cars believes it is important to give youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop new skills which will enhance their employment prospects.

“We are very happy to support the Cults Academy and their students. We aim to provide a realistic insight into the variety of motoring professions available, after all these students will be our next generation of drivers and may be our automotive experts of the future.”

Picture caption: Pupils from the Cults Academy with course leader, James Martin and the vehicle developed for the Greenpower Challenge which Specialist Cars helped to support.

For further information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

National recognition for motoring profession

A motoring specialist from Aberdeen has been rewarded for his outstanding levels of customer service by one of Europe’s largest car manufacturers.

Service advisor, Craig Huggins, who works at Specialist Cars was named as one of Volkswagen’s top ten service advisors in the UK.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Volkswagen retailer in 2009 has specialised in the automotive service industry for eight years. Craig successfully completed a series of assessments and role plays to achieve his prestigious status.

As part of his graduation Craig enjoyed a three day trip to Volkswagen’s factory and museum in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Speaking of his recent status, Craig said: “To have my work labelled as one of the best in the country makes me incredibly proud.

“I was delighted to visit the Volkswagen factory and the AutoStadt museum. It was a truly amazing experience and one that I will certainly remember.”

Tony Lanni, sales manager at Specialist Cars Aberdeen, said: “Our congratulations go to Craig.

“We’re very proud of his achievement and believe he deserves his recognition for consistent professionalism.”

CAR RETAILER BOOSTS MONTY’S MAGGIE’S CENTRE APPEAL

Its full speed ahead as an Aberdeen Volkswagen car retailer begins its fundraising campaign for the city’s new Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre, by hosting a luxury raffle during its recent ‘Big Car Event'.

Specialist Cars, which is part of the John Clark Motor Group, has confirmed its commitment in supporting Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal, which is aiming to raise £3million for a new, purpose built Maggie’s Centre in the grounds of Foresterhill Hospital, Aberdeen.

The Volkswagen retailer is embarking on series of fundraising antics and events and kicked off its campaign with a prize draw to win an overnight stay at luxury boutique hotel, Hotel Du Vin, which raised £101.

Lucky winner, Scott Marshall from Longside, said: “I had visited Specialist Cars to look at getting a new Volkswagen, saw the raffle and entered as it’s such a worthy cause. I was completely shocked to be told I had won, plus I also get the use of a brand new Volkswagen for the weekend. I am delighted and really looking forward to the trip.”

The John Clark Motor Group launched the fundraising partnership with the Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal earlier this year. The Appeal is jointly run by the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, a charity set-up in the memory of 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie’s mother.

All of the automotive groups 15 dealerships across Fife, Edinburgh and Dundee will be raising money for their local Maggie’s Centre.

Speaking of their charity efforts, Ashleigh Wood from Specialist Cars, said: “The Maggie’s Centre is so vital to the region as it will offer essential support to anyone with a diagnosis of cancer as well as their family and friends through what is a truly traumatic time.

“This is just the start of our fundraising plans. Our next challenge is the Monster Bike and Hike.

“All the of Volkswagen team in Aberdeen are really getting behind our new partnership, we are even starting to get a little competitive as we want to be the site that raises the most in the Group.”

For further information on the John Clark Motor Group charity events visit www.john-clark.co.uk

FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR LADIES MOTORING MASTERCLASS

An Aberdeen car retailer is openings its doors for a night of motoring safety, fashion and gifts, designed exclusively for women.

The complimentary ‘Ladies Night Workshop’ will take place at Specialist Cars Volkswagen retailer on Wednesday 10th November.

Ladies are asked to reserve a place at the Craigshaw Crescent event, which will cover essential car maintenance and repairs plus safety advice from Grampian Police.

In addition the Volkswagen retailer will transform its showroom into a shopping haven giving ladies the chance to purchase the latest winter designs from fashion boutique, ZOOMP, get Christmas gift ideas from Nova Gifts plus sample homemade chocolates from Chocolat Passions and Vie at Home’s new skincare range.

Nail technicians from Suzys Nails and Me to You Nails will be offering free file and polish, stylists from Toni & Guy will be providing hair consultations.

The event, is aimed at enhancing women’s motoring skills and providing practical tips on how to keep safe on the road when driving alone as Specialist Cars sales manager, Tony Lanni, explains.

He said: “Our technicians will deliver a range of workshops including how to change a tyre, top up engine oil and replace windscreen wipers. Grampian Police will provide advice on simple safety advice to take in the event of a breakdown or accident.”

“The action packed event has limited places so we are asking ladies to reserve their place by calling 01224 384000 or emailing pamela.miller@john-clark.co.uk.

The Ladies night Workshop will take place at Specialist Cars Volkswagen retailer on Craigshaw Crescent and will begin at 5.30pm through to 8.30pm.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

Service team boost at Specialist Cars

An Aberdeen retailer is boosting its customer service offering by expanding its aftersales department to become a seven-strong team.

Volkswagen retailer, Specialist Cars, has appointed Scott Brunton to head up the new team of six customer service specialists.

With over 18 years automotive experience, Scott joins the Volkswagen retailer having began his career ‘behind the scenes’ as a workshop technician. Having worked for a number of leading car manufacturers, Scott swiftly progressed to customer facing roles before specialising in service management for the past five years.

Scott has recruited five new service advisors, all with automotive backgrounds, to help strengthen the service offering and to ensure enquiries and bookings are dealt with quickly and efficiently for customers.

Speaking of his new challenge Scott, said: “This is a very exciting time. The team has doubled in size and now provides a strong presence on reception so that we can handle a greater number of customer enquiries more efficiently.

“We are very committed to developing our aftersales service for customers. Although all of the new service advisors have each come from automotive backgrounds we are now investing in expanding their knowledge and skills even further in specialist areas.”

Each team member has embarked on a three year service advisor qualification through Volkswagen’s Training Academy which will include a series of practical and theoretical exams. The course covers all aspects of customer service and product knowledge to gain the NVQ Level 4 equivalent qualification.

“Volkswagen has very high standards and procedures; my goal is to position Specialist Cars Aberdeen as one of the brand’s top 20 Volkswagen sites. Early indications are promising and with such a committed team I feel sure we can achieve this.”

For further information on the Volkswagen range of to speak to the aftersales team at the Craigshaw Crescent site, call 01224 384000.