How it might look. Harwoods, at Lushington Hill, Wootton, is the Island’s new Vauxhall dealer. Harwoods will also still be the Island dealer for Renault and Fiat cars.
ESTABLISHED motor dealership Harwoods is stepping up a gear after securing the Island’s Vauxhall franchise.
The company, which was first established on the Island in 1933, is preparing for a busy year ahead after confirming it will take over the Vauxhall dealership in February.
Managing director Peter Hand said: "When we were first offered the opportunity we had to give serious thought as to exactly how we could integrate Vauxhall alongside our already busy Renault and Fiat business.
"Once we had seen what the Vauxhall franchise had to offer, we knew this would be a valuable asset to the company and allow us to offer even greater choice for our customers old and new.
"Renault is also scheduled for further expansion in 2013 with the arrival of several new models including the zero emission Z.E. range and we are also scheduled to add in the Renault-owned Dacia brand later this year."
The current site, on Lushington Hill, is set to expand with a new showroom for Vauxhall cars planned for summer, along with additional parking spaces, a used car display area, coffee shop scheduled for 2013, and a central hub service centre.
The Vauxhall sales operation will run from a temporary office on-site until the new showroom is completed towards the end of the summer.
Mr Hand added: "Due to recent investment in our customer management system and a 12-bay workshop, we are confident we have the capacity and expertise to continue to meet the needs of our growing customer base."
Sales director Paul Hunt said: "We will use the next two years to re-establish Vauxhall on the IW. We have received more than 50 enquiries already and are looking forward to opening our doors officially in February. We will endeavour to minimise any disruption to customers on site during building works and of course it will remain business as usual with Renault and Fiat."
Commenting on the Harwoods expansion, Mr Hand added: "Adding Vauxhall, Renault Z.E. and Dacia later in the year will help us strengthen our position. We have an amazing team, incredible customers and a determination to build on our 79 years of experience."
• For full information about Vauxhall, contact Peter Hand or Paul Hunt on 01983 885500 or online at www.harwoodsgroup.co.uk