Around 20 new jobs are set to be created thanks to an £8 million investment in Watford.
Citygate and Volkswagen UK have joined forces to build a new state-of-the-art new car retailer on Otterspoool Way, providing a welcome boost to the jobs market despite testing economic conditions.
Work is now nearing completion at the retailer, which will include a 17-car showroom, of the newest Volkswagen models, 21 workshop bays, two MOT bays, a high-tech smart repair and a 65-used car display.
Jonathan Smith, managing director at Citygate Automotive, said: “We have traded successfully in Watford for six years, selling over 700 new and used cars last year and this investment demonstrates our commitment to both our staff and customers.
“Our year-on-year growth means that the current site is no longer suitable and is restricting us in delivering the customer service that is core to our mission and values.
“Citygate and Volkswagen UK have been looking to relocate for the past few years and once we identified this site, we knew we had to seize the opportunity.”
Moving to larger premises has also called for the need for more staff and Citygate Volkswagen is currently recruiting for around 20 new positions, not including those individuals already in employment, which is seen as a real positive during the current economic times.
Jonathan added: “As a business we’re very proud to already be on the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Companies To Work For ‘Ones To Watch’ and hope to continue to be one of the top recruiters in the area.
“The new service centre at Watford has one of the first Direct Express while-you-wait facilities in the UK, which is designed to give Volkswagen owners the flexibility to bring their vehicle in for a wide range of work at a time that suits them, but without the need for an appointment.
“This gives all customers the luxury of having a service, new tyres fitted, exhausts and batteries fully fitted, while they wait or carried out at a later date to suit them, all carried out by Volkswagen trained technicians.”
“We will also match any like-for-like written quote for service and maintenance from any garage within five miles to ensure our customers are paying the best price, the only qualification is that genuine Volkswagen parts are used.
“The most important factor is customers will get the official Volkswagen stamp in a car’s service book and a full manufacturer stamped book can be worth its weight in gold.
This ‘while-you-wait’ facility offers tyres from £45, including fitting, MOT testing at £39 and a minor service for £149.
Jonathan added: “I’m certain there will not be another car retailer nearby where customers will be able to see so many vehicles in such convenient and comfortable surroundings.
“Add to that our high levels of after-sales experience and customer care and we are certain to see our growth continue unabated.”