9:32 am, June 3, 2015
David Norman on the site
DORSET’S largest and oldest independent used-car specialist is to see an expansion at its main site in Bournemouth.
Norman Motors was established as a family run firm in 1953 at premises in Wallisdown Road and still remains under private family ownership.
Proprietor David Norman is the third generation of the Norman family to run the dealership, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
Last month work began on the £500,000 project to demolish an adjacent dwelling to make way for a new and improved car showroom and forecourt area.
Norman said: ‘Despite the recession, our used-car business has held up very well indeed. We specialise in mid to top end, quality low-mileage vehicles and vehicle servicing and repairs, for which the demand has remained high.
‘We did put the investment on hold until there was more confidence in the economy in general, and now we feel the time is right.’
The expansion will see forecourt capacity increase by up to a third, and the main showroom, service centre waiting area and office buildings will be completely refurbished.
Norman added: ‘The business is growing and we now employ up to 20 people in car sales and at our service centre. With this project we will be able to display up to 80 cars on the Wallisdown Road site, and 40 on our Bournemouth Road premises. We are committing to a significant financial investment with these improvements to make the Norman Motors experience even better for our customers. We’re even having a new coffee machine!
‘We are a very traditional business, which serves us well. We are passionate about “old-fashioned” customer care and providing a personal, courteous service, which is why most of our business comes through either repeat customers or direct recommendations. It’s my name above the door and it matters to me that the family reputation is upheld.’
Work on the new forecourt display area, showroom refurbishment and exterior landscaping is scheduled for completion in the autumn. The business remains fully open during the refurbishment.
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