A Newbury retailer is celebrating one of its sales team joining an exclusive club after being recognised for outstanding services to the automotive industry.
Bob Sainsbury, was presented with Volkswagen Gold Pin for exceptional and long service to the brand at a recent ceremony held at the Natural History Museum in London, where his company – the Ridgeway Group – also picked up an award for outstanding used car performance and was ranked 14th in the whole of the UK Volkswagen dealership network.
The Volkswagen Gold Pin is the highest international accolade given by the brand to individuals. Only around 20 people are awarded the Gold Pin every year.
Sales executive, Bob, age 59 from Newbury, has been a loyal employee at Ridgeway Volkswagen for his entire working life, joining the company’s service team as a 16-year-old and quickly carving his niche in car sales
Bob is no stranger to the world of awards – back in 2009 he was awarded the prestigious accolade of Sales Manager of the Year by Motor Trader.
Talking of his latest award win Bob confirmed: “I’m thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Pin; it’s a huge honour to be recognised by Volkswagen UK.
“I will have served 43 years with the company this September, and I’ve seen a lot of changes in my time – the volume of cars we supply has increased dramatically and in the old days we didn’t even open on Sundays.
“I’ve also seen the launch of all seven versions of the Golf and it is as popular today as the original was back in 1974.
“The awards event was wonderful. Of course, being a bit of a dinosaur myself, they put me under the dinosaur on display at the Natural History Museum, but it was a great occasion, especially as partners were invited to share in our experience.”
Ridgeway Volkswagen’s brand director, Simon McLaughlin, added: “I am very proud that Bob has been awarded Gold Pin. It’s an exceptional achievement and it is great to see that Bob’s long service and high calibre of performance has been recognised nationally.”
Ridgeway Volkswagen offers new and approved used car sales and full aftersales service, all delivered to the highest standards of customer care. Contact Ridgeway Volkswagen Newbury on 01635 40678.