Bells Motor Group has opened its Bedford Volvo showroom, following a £1.6m refurbishment.

The new-look dealership, on Riverfield Drive, features a signature lounge area complete with Scandinavian-designed furniture; which will allow future visitors to relax in the lounge with Swedish cakes and coffee, or make use of the free Wi-Fi.

Large exterior and interior glazing allows customers to see all activity in the new workshops. The retailer has also pledged that no refreshments will be served using single-use plastics.

The changes bring the showroom in line with the latest Volvo Retail Experience corporate identity, first introduced in 2015.

As well as the refurbishment, the Bedford site has expanded, with a larger showroom enabling more Volvo new and used models to be displayed.

Bells Motor Group will also shortly be offering the new Volvo Personal Service, meaning technicians will liaise with the customer from the point of booking, right through to explaining the services they themselves will carry out. Two Personal Service Technicians work together on each car, reducing the time it takes for the service to be carried out.

Clive Bell, managing director of Bells Motor Group Bedford, 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 April will 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 trust.

“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 when it is safe to do so.”