Million Pound Makeover As Volvo Cars London Invests in The Future

LONDON, Aug. 24, 2009 -- Following a recent £1.3m investment in refurbishing its North London dealership, Volvo Cars London has also been appointed as the UK’s sole International Customer Sales Division.

It’s just seven months since the management buy-out that created Volvo Cars London – creating a new identity for Volvo in the Capital.

The dealer group, owned by Regent Automotive Limited, now operates sales and after sales sites in Central, North and West London, with the Central London site split between a sales dealership on the Euston Road plus a dedicated after sales centre in nearby Regent’s Park.

The new-look Colindale site features Volvo’s ‘Next Face’ corporate brand standards, bringing the showroom into line with Volvo Cars London’s sister premises. A new 16-bay service centre makes it the largest Volvo workshop in the UK and has created six new jobs to handle the extra capacity.

Up to 12 new models can be displayed inside the showroom with a further 50 used car spaces outside. Meanwhile, customer waiting areas have also been refreshed and feature complimentary Wi-fi internet access for customers.

Tracey Perry, Managing Director of Volvo Cars London, said: “We’re delighted with the newly refurbished North London site, which is a testament to the flexibility of our staff, as well as Bisset Adams and Colliers CRE – the joint project architects.”

“The development has resulted in a first-class environment in which to showcase our products and will enable us to deliver exceptional customer service. What’s more, with all of our sales sites now meeting Volvo’s latest showroom standards, we can now offer a similar experience to customers throughout London.”

Volvo Cars London has also been appointed by Volvo Car UK to take control of the International Customer Sales Division, which manages vehicle deliveries to British military personnel based abroad, plus diplomat and ex-pat customers.

It can supply vehicles in either left- or right-hand drive for tax free and tax paid customers. Volvo Cars London expects 80% of these sales to come from British military personnel based overseas, with a further 20% from diplomats and expatriates based in London.

The new venture has added a further eight employees to the Volvo Cars London team, and includes a vehicle preparation centre at Welham Green. In addition, a dedicated International Customer Sales Executive in Central London is ideally located for diplomat customers, while a partnership with two German dealers is helping to assist vehicle sales to British Military personnel stationed abroad.

“With prestige status and a reputation for quality and safety, Volvo is increasing in popularity among our military, diplomat and ex-pat customers, so we are delighted to have been appointed as their sole agent for Volvo here in the UK,” added Tracey.

“This development, together with our recent renovation work at North London, demonstrates our confidence in the brand despite the difficult current economic climate. We’ve had a very successful start to the year and will continue to invest and grow the business.”