“It really was much more than we had expected with over 190 operators attending and many bringing their families along which just added to the atmosphere especially on the Saturday,” enthused Nick Page.
Marking the occasion and performing the official opening ceremony Stephen Barber, Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) UK’s Director of Coaching, said “It is a great pleasure to be asked to open the new premises. I am delighted that so many people are here to share the occasion, particularly former Volvo Bus managing director Sandy Glennie, who was instrumental in establishing Volvo Bus in the UK market with the purchase of Yates of Loughborough over 20 years ago. It is fitting that Volvo has chosen to invest in new premises and encourage the promotion of its product range at this time.”
The two-day event was also extremely successful from a sales point of view with 5 double deckers and 11 coaches being sold. “We are following up a number of further vehicle sales as a direct result of the event,” added Nick Page.
“Attendance at our sales events at our previous site in Loughborough has always been reasonable so it was particularly gratifying to see so many people at the Coventry Grand Opening, helping to make it a very special and memorable occasion. The attractions such as the face painting went down well with the children, while the hog roast and dodgems proved extremely popular on both days.”
An action packed event with members of the Volvo team on hand to show visitors around the new facilities and vehicle displays there were a number of supporting displays including Volvo Truck & Bus Centre with its Road Crew shop with Bus & Coach Aftermarket and Dealer information. Volvo Classic Road Tour, which is scheduled to start an 1180 mile non-stop, 3-day challenge on September 8 in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, had Barry Mace, Volvo Service Manager for Eire and his BMW R1200 GS motorbike.
Centrally located on Middlemarch Business Park, just off the main A46, close to Coventry airport, the new Volvo Bus & Coach Sales Centre moved from Loughborough to Siskin Parkway East. The 2.5 acre site has undergone extensive refurbishment to provide modern offices, reception, a visitor’s entrance area and a meeting room. It can accommodate 74 buses and coaches with every Volvo model available for customers to inspect with ease in the spacious display areas and carry out test drives.
ENDS
Photo caption: Stephen Barber, CPT UK’s Director of Coaching, officially opens the Volvo Bus & Coach Sales Centre in Coventry, with Nick Page, Volvo Coach Sales Director.