Inchcape, the independent international automotive retailer has opened its new Toyota showroom on Pride Park in Derby.

The event was marked with a customer evening with senior executives from Toyota, including Shimpei Kobayashi, chairman, Toyota GB and Hein Van Gerwen, managing director, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, along with senior executives from Inchcape.

The centre features a new workshop, dedicated vehicle handover areas and a waiting area with tea, coffee and daily newspapers available for while-you-wait service customers.

There was a special Auris test drive desk on the night which took over 20 bookings for demonstrations at either the showroom or customers’ homes or offices.

Other attractions included an artist, who was kept busy throughout the evening sketching portraits of guests, a close-up magician and live music.

Inchcape’s Toyota franchise director Des Graham said: "I’m delighted with the response to the new centre from our customers this evening, They have been able to explore the new centre and see first hand the investment we have made, and this underlines our determination to establish the highest levels of customer service to potential buyers and Toyota owners, thereby setting ourselves apart in the volume car and LCV sector."