Lookers, one of the UK’s leading automotive retail and service groups, confirmed today it is investing £2.5 million to create a new state-of-the-art dealership at a new site in Colchester which will open before the end of the year.
Lookers said it is relocating to Wyncolls Road in Severalls Business Park in Colchester from its existing Volvo site in Cowdray Avenue to develop a new standout dealership for the area. The new site was previously occupied by Underwoods Skoda until March this year and Lookers will remain open for business at Cowdray Avenue until the new dealership is completed.
It is currently investing £2.3 million refurbishing its established franchised Volvo dealership at Baynes Place in Chelmsford which is also due to open in less than two months’ time.
Earlier this year, Lookers announced that it had acquired Waterhouse Cars Volvo, reflecting its confidence in the brand and its growing suite of new and used models and focus on all-electric driving.
The new Volvo showroom in Colchester will feature Volvo’s signature lounge area, complete with luxurious Scandinavian furniture in a spacious environment where customers can relax with free Wi-Fi in an enhanced hospitality experience.
Designed for a sustainable future and incorporating a wide range of eco-friendly features, Lookers new Volvo dealership will also include a suite of eight EV charges, solar panels in a contemporary building housing the latest range of stunning Volvo cars, including the pure electric XC40 and plug-in hybrids, as well as a wide range of Volvo Selekt Approved Used models.
Lookers Volvo will also offer a streamlined service to car owners which halves waiting times.
Lookers franchise director, David Cooper, said:
“Committed to investing in delivering an exceptional experience for our customers, we’re looking forward to showcasing our new and exciting Volvo dealerships in Chelmsford and Colchester which will mark a new milestone for our growth across Essex, in our staff and in our local communities.”
Lookers’ Volvo portfolio now includes five UK sites, alongside Colchester, Stockport and Glasgow in addition to Polestar Spaces and aftersales businesses in Manchester and Glasgow.
Duncan McPhee, Lookers’ Chief Operating Officer, said:
“Already well established in Colchester, Lookers is delighted to be further investing in Volvo in an exciting new location in the city that will deliver an outstanding customer experience for visitors right across Essex and beyond. It underlines our commitment to our strengthening relationship with Volvo and our determination to be the UK’s number one choice for all-electric driving, advice and aftersales service.”