DOUBLE BUSINESS BOOST FOR CREWE RETAILER

A Crewe retailer has boosted its business by appointing two of the region’s most experienced managers.

Crewe Volkswagen has boosted its sales team, welcoming Darren Lancashire as sales manager and Simon Clarke as after sales manager.

The duo brings with them over 25 years’ experience in in the north west motor industry.
Simon, from Nantwich, started his career as an apprentice technician before climbing the career ladder with roles including workshop controller and assistant sales manager.

Speaking of his appointment, 30-year-old Simon, said: “I am looking forward to taking the Crewe Volkswagen team to new successes and providing customers with a service they expect from a prestigious brand.”

Having worked at a range of Volkswagen sites across the country, the last seven years in managerial roles, Darren is confident that the Volkswagen customer approach matches his own.

The 40-year-old from Willaston, said: “I am delighted to have joined the Crewe Volkswagen team and have instantly been made to feel welcome.

“I have always enjoyed working with the Volkswagen brand, the reliability, quality and unbelievable value is second to none. I just wouldn’t be happy working with a product I did not feel passionate about.

“This is a very exciting challenge and one that I’m looking forward to. My first task will be getting to know the staff and customers.”

Crewe Volkswagen’s brand manager, Ben Gilbert, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Darren and Simon to the team. They will both be great assets to Crewe Volkswagen.”

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.

EAST ANGLIA MOTOR GROUP ACQUIRES KINGS LYNN VOLKSWAGEN

An East Anglia motor group has increased its portfolio with the recent acquisition of the Volkswagen franchise in Kings Lynn.

Marriott Motor Group purchased the Volkswagen retailer on Bergen Way, which has supplied passenger cars in the area for over ten years and launched Volkswagen Van Centre Kings Lynn in September last year.

The business will see the group increase its presence of Volkswagen and Audi sites to nine across the Norfolk and Suffolk area.

As a family company, the Marriott Motor Group is owned and run by the Barnard family and has supplied vehicles from its ‘aptly named’ Barnards Volkswagen site in Stowmarket for the past 100 years.

Ian Woodward, Group operations director said: “The King Lynn investment is good news for our Volkswagen customers and is an exciting development for the company.

“We presently operate a successful Audi site in King Lynn so the Volkswagen addition will continue to strengthen our automotive expertise and services across Norfolk.

“The new team will bring the Group’s employee numbers to over 310 and we look forward to welcoming them to the business and enhancing the existing services we provide."

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