CAMB.L Regulatory News (CAMB)

3 April 2013

Cambria's Swindon dealership wins 'Garage of the Year' award

A Swindon car dealer is celebrating after being named as the South West's best franchised garage in the 2013 Motor Codes 'Garage of the Year' competition.

The feat achieved by Cambria Automobile's Swindon Motor Park Citroen and SEAT dealership in Dorcan Way means that it is now one of the 20 most trusted garages in the UK.

Ben Crudgington, Operations Director at Swindon Motor Park, commented:

"We work as hard as we can to ensure that all our guests receive the very best service and advice possible. The award is evidence that our commitment to maintaining these high standards is acknowledged by our loyal guests."

Mark Lavery, Chief Executive of Cambria Automobiles said:

"Cambria is delighted to have received this regional Garage of the Year award for our Swindon Motor Park Citroen and SEAT dealership and is a clear testament to the effectiveness of policy of putting the guest first in everything we do. Swidon Motor Park was the first dealership we acquired when we started the Group back in July 2006, since when Cambria has grown into a successful group operating from 27 sites and representing 43 franchises."

Swindon Motor Parks has been transformed under Cambria ownership, since its acquisition in 2006, primarily as a result of its focus of ensuring the best possible experience for its guests. This approach has seen Swindon Motor Parks turnover more than double to £26m from £10m at the time of acquisition, and a turnaround in its financial fortunes. 

The Motor Codes 'top 20' regional Garage of the Year winners is made up of 10 franchised main dealers and 10 independent garages. Around 11,500 garage customers from across the UK voted in this year's Motor Codes competition to endorse the first-class customer experiences they have enjoyed at one of 7,250 garages within the network.

Chris Mason, Managing Director of Motor Codes, said: "This is about putting trustworthy garages in the shop window, giving their customers a way to show their appreciation and, importantly, ensuring that people don't have to feel anxious about choosing a garage.

"Interestingly, our final vote total, gathered over six weeks, was more than the number of complaints relating to car service and repair recorded by Citizens Advice for the whole of last year. This sends a clear signal to the public that the government-approved network of garages - which Swindon Motor Park is part of - is the place to turn for a stress-free garage experience."

Motor Codes was set up by the motor industry to act as the self-regulatory body for the automotive sector and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It operates three codes of practice - the new car code, the service and repair code and the vehicle warranty products code.

The regional winners had their votes and customer feedback analysed by a panel of motoring experts chaired by Chris Mason and including TV presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson, Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler and lead Trading Standards motoring officer Tim Milsom.

The overall champions - the franchised main dealer and independent Garage of the Year - will be announced on April 10.

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