VAN CENTRE’S £0.25M INVESTMENT COMPLETE

A Birmingham van centre has completed its transformation following the investment of £250,000 by its new owners, Swansway Garages.

Over the last year the Volkswagen Van Centre has upgraded all of its facilities to enhance its service for commercial vehicle operators in the area.

The St. Stephens Street development now features nine ramps including a new state of the art one man testing M.O.T ramp with the very latest diagnostic testing equipment plus an extensive tarmac forecourt accommodating up to 30 vehicles incorporating the complete Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle range.

The rebranding investment project also included new external signage and a complete interior refurbishment in both the showroom and staff areas.

Mark Woodhouse, general manager at Volkswagen Van Centre, Birmingham said: “We are very pleased to be part of the Swansway Group. The financial investment has sealed the Group’s commitment to developing the Volkswagen brand in the Birmingham area, which is reassuring for both customers and employees.

“We are delighted with our new professional look, which we have matched with new staff uniforms.

“Our new facilities, services and business support will ensure we can provide van operators with the highest levels of quality and value and help to build our reputation in the area.”

The Swansway Group is a family owned and run business and has been in the motor industry for over 45 years. The Group operates a number of franchises, including Volkswagen, Audi and Seat passenger cars in addition to its Volkswagen Commercial vehicles van centres.

For more information on the commercial vehicle range of vans and passenger carrying vehicles at Birmingham Van Centre, call 0121 260 3000.

For more information, please contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

Qualifying success for Volkswagen apprentice

Three years of hard work and training has paid off for Phil Bachelor after he graduated from his technician apprenticeship with Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham.

The 20-year-old from Great Barr joined the St Stephens Street retailer straight from school and embarked on the intensive three-year programme to become a fully-qualified Volkswagen technician.

His rigorous training programme incorporated on and off-site workshops and assessments through the Volkswagen Training Academy. The process enables Phil to carry out complex diagnostic and engineering analysis for the complete Volkswagen commercial vehicle range.

As part of his graduation Phil was taken to Pembrey Race Circuit in Llanelli to drive performance cars around the track. Speaking of his qualification Phil said: “I have always been interested in motor mechanics and I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand. This qualification has given me further knowledge which i will apply to my day to day work, benefitting our customers.

“I’m really grateful to Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham, because they have shown faith in my ability and backed my ambitions by funding my training programme,” added Phil.

Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham, service manager, Neil Cook said: “Phil has worked diligently throughout his apprenticeship and fully deserves to have reached technician status.

“He’ll now be able to work independently within the workshop, but will still receive elements of training in order for him to progress even further in his career.”

Phil’s next challenge is to qualify as a master technician, a process that will take approximately six years.