Cameron Motor Group has officially begin operating from its £2m Strathmore Volvo Perth showroom – despite being unable to officially open the doors to customers.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping customers out of showroom across the UK, the Perthshire Audi, Volkswagen and Volvo franchisee ensured it was ready for an eventual opening proper with the completion of its new facility.

The new site, on Dunkeld Road, is the latest investment in its Perth facilities, following 2014’s £2m redevelopment of its Volkswagen dealership and a £1.75m overhaul of Perth Audi in 2018.

Commenting on the new Volvo dealership facility, Norman Leishman, dealer principal at Strathmore, said: “We are thrilled to have unveiled our new showroom, and it’s been wonderful to see the reactions of our first customers.

“Our recent refurbishment isn’t just about a change of furniture, it’s designed to make our customers feel relaxed and at ease in an environment that provides flexible waiting, working and assessment areas.

“The launch of our new Volvo Personal Service in January will additionally help to connect our customers with their technicians for a smooth and efficient experience.

“Our focus is always on putting the customer first and giving them a high-quality service, which they know and can trust.

Leishman added: “We’re all settled in and are raring to show off our new showroom, so look forward to welcoming customers new and old for a cup of coffee and a chat about their car purchase and servicing needs.” 

Construction of the new Volvo Perth dealership was delayed for almost a year after Dundee building services firm McGill went into administration in February 2019.

However, the facility has now been finished to the Swedish premium car brand’s latest corporate identity standards.

It features a signature lounge area, complete with Scandinavian-designed furniture, allowing visitors to relax in the lounge with Swedish cakes and coffee, or carry on working with free Wi-Fi, while glazing allows customers to see all activity in the new workshops.

Volvo Personal Service has also been implemented as part of the upgrade, meaning technicians will liaise with the customer from the point of booking, right through to explaining the services – which they themselves will have carried out.

Two Personal Service Technicians work together on each car.

Data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) last week showed that Volvo Car UK’s new car registrations declined by 17.4% in 2020, to 56208 (2019: 46,408), outperforming a market down by 29.4% overall.