Lookers combines Volkswagen car and van sites in £3m redevelopment

Lookers is bringing its Volkswagen car and van sites together in Teesside in a major £3 million redevelopment of its Newport Road Volkswagen dealership.

With work well under way and nearing completion, Lookers Volkswagen Van Centre at Thornaby will relocate fully at the end of this month to Newport Road which is still open to the public for car sales and aftersales service.

Features of the redeveloped dealership include a car showroom displaying 10 new vehicles, consultation rooms and a hospitality area equipped with WiFi and Apple TVs for customer use, in addition to two dedicated handover bays.

With an experienced local team of more than 60 staff, Lookers Volkswagen Teesside says it has invested heavily in its aftersales service provision, with 10 ramps for servicing, diagnostics and MOT testing, office space and workshops.

Fully equipped with the latest electric vehicle infrastructure, the dealership includes five dedicated electric chargers for both cars and vans, reflecting Lookers’ wider commitment to sustainability and the move towards all-electric driving.

John Cuthbertson, Lookers Volkswagen franchise director, said: “Lookers is delighted to be redeveloping our Volkswagen dealership in Teesside, dramatically transforming the way our customers buy and take care of their cars and vans all under one roof.

“This significant investment seamlessly integrates our local Volkswagen car and van sites, including sales and aftersales, in one established, convenient location.”

In 2019, Lookers completed the development of Teesside’s first-ever FordStore in a £3m renovation and extension project at the former Jennings Group site which Lookers had acquired.

Lookers’ chief operation officer, Duncan McPhee, said: “We’re excited to further invest in Teesside, in our customers, staff and facilities and directly into the local economy.

“As a forward-looking, ambitious company which puts customers at the heart of everything we do, this latest investment underlines our commitment to the area and to motorists from Teesside and beyond who can enjoy the entire stellar Volkswagen range of cars and vans in bright, modern surroundings where customer service is paramount.”

Founded in 1908, Lookers is one of the largest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers and specialising in new and used electric car sales across a network of over 150 franchised locations.