THE north-East’s largest independent motor group Benfield has continued its £20 million programme of capital investment with the opening of a new-look £1m Volkswagen showroom.
The opening of the contemporary car showroom at Silverlink, Newcastle upon Tyne, in line with VW’s new retail concept and customers service standards, is set to create a huge wow factor for Benfield’s customers.
It follows a sustained period of growth by Benfield and VW cars sales across its four north-east dealerships.
The £1m investment by Benfield includes a new 12-car showroom, improved customer services facilities, new-car configurator through iPad and Apple TV, a new waiting area and a more up-to-date and modern customer environment.
Mark Squires, the chief executive of Benfield Motor Group, said: ‘We have seen a significant growth in Volkswagen car sales and popularity of the brand in recent years.
‘We are delighted with the new showroom and its advanced customer service facilities, which will allow us to keep pace with the growth of this prestige brand and products and help us provide the highest levels of customer service.
‘2015 has already started well and with the launch of the new award-winning Passat, we have just seen the much-anticipated hybrid Golf GTE come into the UK, and there is growing excitement around the Volkswagen brand and a lot for our customers to look forward to.’
VW brand director Alex Smith said: ‘We are delighted that a family business like Benfield has shown further commitment to our brand in the north-east region with this significant investment.
‘The new showroom and facilities will help provide further opportunities for future growth and success of the Volkswagen brand in the region.’
Benfield’s £20m-plus three-year capital investment programme at its network of dealerships has already seen the completion of a £6.7m Audi dealership in Newcastle, £5.7m Ford dealership in Sunderland and later this year the completion of a new £5.7m Audi dealership in Sunderland.
Benfield now has a total of 30 dealerships across the north east of England, Yorkshire, Cumbria and south-west Scotland.
The Benfield Group has a turnover in excess of £500m, employs more than 1,500 staff and represents 12 franchises.
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