10:30 am, July 16, 2014
MOTOR CODES has named the national winners of its annual Garage of the Year competition.
From a shortlist of 20 regional winners, the independent garage title went to Crescent Motoring Services in Burton upon Trent, while the main dealer gong was awarded to Swindon’s Pebley Beach Hyundai.
Announced at the Auto Express Car of the Year awards in London, the Motor Codes accolades celebrate exceptional service by garages subscribing to its Trading Standards-approved Service and Repair Code.
The winning garages triumphed over a field of almost 8,000 within the approved Motor Codes network, after an intensive round of voting by car owners across the UK. The top 20 were chosen directly by customers, with more than 13,000 online reviews left during the competition at www.motorcodes.co.uk.
Motor Codes judges assessed customer comments, pored over submissions from each regional winner and evaluated their unannounced garage inspections to help select the best of the best.
Presenting the awards, Chris Mason, the managing director of Motor Codes, which is the government-backed, self-regulatory body for the motor industry, said: ‘Both businesses share a commitment to their staff and customers to drive quality, investing in apprentice programmes and partnering with local colleges through community programmes. This has clearly created an engaged and positive workforce, which shines through when hearing about customer experiences.
‘Pebley Beach has shown an ability to make the most of digital initiatives, at the same time as retaining the personal touch. Customers can take an on-screen walk-through of the dealership and read independently-verified online reviews before visiting. Once there, they can make use of an online hub in the showroom.
‘Crescent has clearly embedded itself in the local community, helping young people on the road to a rewarding, long-term career, undertaking impressive charity work and running valuable car care events.’
Details of the regional winners – the UK’s favourite 10 main dealers and 10 independent garages – as well as a garage finder that lists all Motor Codes service centres, along with customer ratings and reviews, can be found at www.motorcodes.co.uk.
