A leading motor group officially opened the doors to a new Glasgow business, offering van owners a one-stop-shop for their commercial vehicle needs.
Lookers, which already owns a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles site in Baillieston, has expanded its presence in the city with the opening of Volkswagen Van Centre Darnley, bringing new investment and jobs to the city.
More than 160 guests attended an action-packed night, including Carl zu Dohna, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK and Andy Bruce, Chief Executive of Lookers.
Guests were entertained by X Factor contestant Hollie Burns and the Euan Stevenson Jazz Trio, while magician Scott Cuthbertson wowed the crowds with his close-up magic tricks.
The new Van Centre incorporates an open and welcoming six vehicle showroom, complete with nine workshop ramps and a VOSA accredited MOT bay for class four and seven commercial vehicles. In addition, a 50-vehicle forecourt is dedicated to approved used vans.
Andy Bruce, Chief Executive for Lookers, said the Darnley investment confirms the group’s commitment to the commercial vehicle market.
He said: “Following our acquisition of Benfield Motor Group last year, we acquired three new van centres in Newcastle, Carlisle and Teesside. Our latest investment further demonstrates our commitment to the sector and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand.
“Coupled with our existing site in Baillieston, we believe we have Glasgow’s commercial vehicle needs completely covered.”
More than 12 new jobs have been created, with further apprentices being appointed over the coming years, as Head of Business at Volkswagen Van Centre Darnley, Duncan McCann explains.
He said: “My team are in place and are committed to working in partnership with existing and new customers to provide the best service and support for their vehicles, from initial enquiry through to their ongoing aftersales needs.
“We can provide practical advice for business owners and fleet managers on all aspects of van ownership.”
The opening of the Darnley business positions Lookers with the largest number of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles sites in the UK, with a total of six van centres stretching from Glasgow to Guildford.
Carl zu Dohna, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK, added: “We are very pleased to welcome the Darnley business to our network. Its opening is great news for customers who come here to do business, for the staff who work here in such a smart and professional environment, and of course the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand. This showroom is a perfect showcase of what we are and what we do.
“The opening of this site brings the total to 72 full Van Centres in the UK. Added to our network of 24 Authorised Repairers, this means the vast majority of customers are no more than 20 minutes away from a Volkswagen outlet.”
For further information call Volkswagen Van Centre Darnley on 0141 896 1985 or visit www.lookers.co.uk