Stourbridge Master Technicians Qualify for National Service Qualifications Final
Trust Group UK is proud to announce that Master Technicians Anthony Webb and Lee Jones have each earned places in the National Final of the Volkswagen Service Qualifications World Championships.
Both technicians are work as part of the Aftersales team at Stourbridge Volkswagen and have worked in the motor industry for a number of years. For Anthony, this isn’t unfamiliar territory as he excelled in last years competition to reach the National Final stage.
The competition is open to all Master Technicians with the Volkswagen network, both within the UK and overseas. The national final winner will go through to represent the UK in the international competition held in Germany later this year. As in previous years, the standard and quality of entrants was exceptionally high, confirming the strong emphasis placed on technical training at Volkswagen.
Testing included both practical and theoretical vehicle diagnosis and repair; which certainly put all of Lee and Anthony's experience and abilities into practice. And, with only ten places available for the National final, this is a fantastic achievement for both Anthony and Lee and highlights the high levels of service offered by the Aftersales teams at Trust Group UK.
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Redditch Volkswagen Support Air Ambulance and SARA Rescue Charity Bike Ride
A recent marathon bike ride in aid of charity was completed by Jeff Rushton and his colleagues. The gruelling challenge was in aid of the Air Ambulance and SARA Rescue and supported by Redditch Volkswagen.
"The idea of taking part came about as most good ideas do, over a drink with some friends" said Jeff.
While the training was intense and finding and committing the time was at times difficult the overall effort was worth it. "We managed to raise approximately £3,000 through various sponsorship and support from friends and family and with that in place there was no way that we wouldn't complete the challenge".
The overall distance was 100 miles and covered a route that took the riders from Aberystwyth through to Arley in just under 10 hours. Weather conditions on the day were fine with no real problems accept for the occasional shower and headwind. Mechanical failures were kept to a minimum with NO punctures over the whole distance.
Redditch Volkswagen Brand Manager, Simon Volans was happy to lend support by supplying team T-shirts and sponsorship. "We always like to get involved in any way we can when colleagues are looking to get involved in this type of event, Jeff is a well regarded colleague within the team and I know all of the team at Redditch Volkswagen were supportive of his efforts although some conceded that he was perhaps a little mad!", said Simon.
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Trust Group UK Partner Up With Next Generation
Stourbridge Volkswagen, the leading Volkswagen dealership locally, has teamed up with the Next Generation gym to offer a great deal to motorists.
Just test drive the exhilarating new Volkswagen Tiguan and you will receive a free one day family pass for Next Generation, where you can enjoy first-class leisure facilities, including the gym and swimming pool.
If you need any further incentive to test drive this dynamic and versatile 4 x 4 then consider the Tiguan's spacious interior and ground-breaking technology, such as its electronic parking brake with auto hold function, allowing effortless hill starts, even if you're towing a heavy load.
Described as a practical, agile and comfortable drive, the Tiguan is a versatile all-rounder, capable of accommodating all drivers' needs.
For the next 12 months, everyone test driving the Tiguan through Stourbridge Volkswagen based at Millennium House, Audnam, Stourbridge) will get the perk of a Next Generation day pass, and motorists who book in to have their VW serviced will also be able to use the gym while mechanics work on their vehicle.
The Next generation gym is only a short distance away in Pensnett Road, Dudley, so it should be easy to take advantage of these generous offers.
Stourbridge Volkswagen and Next Generation have some further deals to interest motorists who like to keep themselves in shape, both physically and financially!
Stourbridge Volkswagen is offering a year's free insurance on selected new VW cars. The policy covers up to three drivers between the ages of 30 and 65, and allows you to continue earning a no-claims bonus while taking advantage of a range of competitive finance solutions.
There is also a scheme to help motorists save money on servicing their VWs, with prices starting from as little as £5.55 a month for 36 months. Next Generation have a special leap year offer. Ring 08445 441955 or text frog5 plus your name to 07781 474766. Join the gym for free before February 29 and enter a free prize draw to win four years' free membership.
Stourbridge Volkswagen is part of the Trust Group UK and offers a fantastic range of new and approved used cars. The dealership aims to help everyone get the best possible deal, followed by high quality after sales service. If you own a VW (whether you purchased it at Stourbridge VW or elsewhere) come meet the team and discuss your needs- our specialists are here to help. You can contact Stourbridge VW on 0845 017 9135.
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Redditch Volkswagen Dress Up For Pudsey
Anyone visiting Trust Volkswagen Redditch on 16th November had a bit of a surprise and a giggle as the team showed their support for BBC Children in Need. In an array of fancy dress outfits, the Trust Redditch raised awareness, and money for the annual appeal which helps improve the lives of disadvantaged children in the UK.
Group Marketing Executive Tina Croot said "We had great fun supporting the Children in Need appeal and would like to thank everyone who participated."
On the back row (from the left) are: The Spy Who Sold Cars, Elliot (Sales Executive), Trust Group Vicar, John (Call Centre Operative), WPC Linda (Sales Executive), Action Matt (Servicing), WPC Christine (Administration) and the Devilish Julie (Reception).
On the front row (from the left) are: WPC Luke and Bend it Like Tina (Group Marketing Executive).
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Trust Group UK Limited support Ian Smith, Golf Professional at The Warwickshire
Trust Group UK Limited are pleased to support Ian Smith, PGA Golf Professional at The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club through supplying Volkswagen vehicles, alongside other corporate sponsorship initiatives.
Ian started playing golf with his father when he was 15 years old. At the age of 19 with a scratch handicap of zero, he decided to become a Professional Golf Tutor and completed the 3-year PGA course which included theory and practical exams held at The Belfry, one of the UK's premier golfing facilities.
In 2002 Ian moved to The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club, where he has gained a vast amount of experience in teaching both one to one and group sessions. You will find him at the Club six days a week where he offers private lessons on a one to one basis, this can be over half an hour, or involving sessions on the actual golf course. The facilities at The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club include a covered driving range, putting green, chipping green, and a par 3 course, all of which can be used in golf lessons to improve on every area of your game. For a more in depth look, Ian uses the latest video computer technology to analyse your swing.
Ian is proud of his association with Trust Group UK Limited, and recommends Volkswagen vehicles as his product of choice. He is available to all of Trust Group UK customers by prior arrangement, with a number of lessons being available free of charge by prior arrangement.
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Redditch Volkswagen supports Race for Life
Redditch Volkswagen supported the annual Redditch Race for Life 5km run on Sunday 8th July held at the Arrow Country Park in Redditch.
Across the team individual sponsorship totalled over £300 which will be matched on a pound for pound basis by Redditch Volkswagen, giving a total contribution to the Breast Cancer charity of in excess of £600.
A massive turn out ensured over 2000 participants running (or walking) in aid of Breast Cancer. Redditch Volkswagen entered eight ladies into the race who all finished in admirable times with importantly lots of sponsorship money pledged in recognition of their efforts. Support from BRMB radio who provided a DJ and sound system to get the atmosphere going was well received by all of the runners, particularly the en masse aerobics exercises to warm everyone up before the race. Organiser's relied on sponsorship from Tesco's who helped with logistics and also local branches of Army and RAF Cadet force's who provided marshals for the event.
Within the Redditch runners Jane White managed a creditable 8th place position with a time of under 23 minutes. The rest of the runners came in at various intervals with all of them confirming that while it was tough, "it was worth it". Would they do it again next year? "You bet!"
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Trust Group UK New Car Volumes Up By 15%
Trust Group UK unveiled healthy new car registration figures for the half year January to June 2007 showing volumes up on the equivalent 2006 period by over 15% overall.
This builds significantly on the gains achieved during 2006 where the Group increased sales over the previous 2005 performance with a 20%+ lift in overall new car registrations. This positive increase being achieved in a market that shows real signs of a slowdown is another strong indicator of the new Groups success since March 2006 when it took over the three Volkswagen businesses in Redditch, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton from the previous owners, Reg Vardy PLC.
Importantly, retail sales registrations show no signs of abating with a continuation of 2006 growth, up another 23.39% during the first half of 2007. In addition to this, improvements in both Motability registrations and local fleet registrations is now demonstrating that the Groups long term strategy of marketing and managing its local opportunities via direct mail and telephone contact is paying dividends.
Positioning the increase in new car volumes, Adrian Wilson, Operations Director for the Group, explained that the reliance on traditional media advertising had proved to be offering low returns. He commented that "we are pursuing a far more direct and E-Commerce route to market, having real contact with our potential customers and gaining appointments through this activity, once our customers are at the dealership we operate a relaxed approach to our sales process which ensures that our customers enjoy a structure demonstration of the products we offer, coupled with extensive test drives and the presentation of competitive packages".
The performance was particularly satisfying when coupled with the growth in 2006. Adrian said, "to be able to maintain the new volumes at the same growth levels as last year, particularly in retail sales, when we know that other dealer groups and manufacturer networks generally are starting to suffer is particularly pleasing. Our aspiration to build strong local customer bases at each of our three sites is now being achieved and we look forward to seeing a continuation of these gains during the latter part of the year".
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Winners, Most Improved Business Category
Stourbridge Volkswagen scooped first prize in the recent Motor Trader National Awards celebration held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Winning the award in the "Most Improved Business" category against stiff national competition is the highlight of their first year of operation for Stourbridge Volkswagen. The award is judged taking into consideration financial performance, business investment, customer and colleague satisfaction in addition to the overall business turnaround. The West Midlands based dealership is enjoying increasing success since being acquired by Trust Group UK Ltd, an independent motor group formed in March 2006.
With an exceptional first 10 months of trading behind them the management team were confident of success on the night. Andrew Hockedy, Trust Group UK Managing Director, commented that while there was an element of confidence in the numbers and overall performance of the business, the dealership was up against other established dealer groups with strong track records of performance. "We felt that we had a strong opportunity, and we are thrilled to have been recognized with this fantastic award, it means a lot to the business and gives all of the colleagues within the company a feeling of pride and achievement."
The dealership's success was endorsed by Ross Martin, Volkswagen GB Area Manager who said that "since working alongside the team at Stourbridge it has been great to see not just improving financial performance, but also increasing customer satisfaction ratings that now put Stourbridge Volkswagen ahead of the national average criteria for the Volkswagen network".
During the qualifying period the team at Stourbridge were able to demonstrate to the judging panel within Motor Trader New and Used car volume increases of 41%, Aftersales profitability improvement of 26.5% and overall turnover growth of 53%, with a bottom line positive margin movement of 4.82%. The new Groups Finance Director, Nigel White, confirmed that the turnaround figures were industry leading and reflected the strength in the local management teams ability. Nigel added, "aside from the fact that the company is a new start up business, with all of the additional pressures that this brings, to be able to demonstrate such positive movement in a market that is recognized to be in slow down is a credit to all involved".
Stourbridge Volkswagen is continuing to build on this success with a strong financial start to 2007 which again sees volumes increasing in both vehicle sales and aftersales areas.
The attached photographs show Ronnie Corbett, host and compere for the evening and Trust Group UK Managing Director, Andrew Hockedy, collecting the Motor Trader Award from Paul Miles, NIG Underwriting Manager,
The group photograph shows l to r: Andrew Hockedy, Steve Bishop, Richard Collins, John Bynoth, Jacki Budulis, Adrian Wilson, Nigel White, all part of the Stourbridge Volkswagen team.
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Trade Parts Operation Launch
Wolverhampton Volkswagen launched their new Trade Parts Operation in conjunction with Volkswagen Group on the 6th June 2007 after heavy investment and restructuring of their existing Parts Wholesale operation.
Taking on the Trade Parts Specialist role within the Wolverhampton and North Birmingham territory has allowed Wolverhampton Volkswagen to become the sole preferred wholesaler for all of the Volkswagen Group brands including Audi, Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen Commercial vehicles and of course Volkswagen cars. Working closely with Volkswagen Group the dealership has created a new trading company (Wolverhampton TPS) and moved the parts wholesale facility into a dedicated parts area of some 5000 square feet at the Bilston Road site.
Early signs show huge potential for a one stop shop approach to parts wholesaling, with customers indicating that the opportunity to deal with one outlet for all of their Volkswagen Group requirements is a real bonus.
Raj Momi, TPS Manager said, "business has been brisk with daily sales rates exceeding initial planned expectations, we have had to change some of our previous working practices and operate with a very customer focused attitude, but this is all about putting the customer first, introducing a far more proactive approach to service levels than a traditional wholesaling structure. Importantly our customers like it and are continuing to drive volumes upwards on a daily basis."
The introduction of Trade Parts Specialist to the operation at Wolverhampton will see turnover grow to in excess of £3M over the next twenty four months with potential volumes hitting the £3.5M mark during the next three years.
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