New JLR centre opens in Scotland 20 | 10 | 2017
ONE OF SCOTLAND’S largest car dealership groups, John Clark Motor Group, has opened the doors of its new 10-car Jaguar Land Rover showroom at Ford Kinnaird in Edinburgh. (Related: John Clark turnover hits £703m)
The family-owned group’s second Pentland Jaguar Land Rover in the capital, the new facility complies with JLR’s Arch Concept corporate identity and replaces the group’s previous Pentland Jaguar showroom on Glasgow Road.
However, to offer their Jaguar customers continued flexibility across Edinburgh, John Clark has confirmed its Pentland Land Rover Facility at Newbridge will operate as a Jaguar Approved Service Centre.
The new showroom on Whitehill Road, at Fort Kinnaird, incorporates a 10-car showroom, a display area for 65 used cars and 11 workshop bays. It also has ample customer parking spaces. (Related: Renault returns to Scots city with John Clark)
The modern facilities also include a customer handover bay, a luxurious lounge-style waiting area complemented by a coffee bar and free wi-fi, plus a colour and trim section, allowing visitors to specify their new Jaguar Land Rover exactly how they want it.
“This truly is an exciting development for the for the group and a significant investment that is justified by the performance of Jaguar Land Rover within Scotland’s capital city,” Chris Clark, managing director of Aberdeen-based JCMG, said.
“Working very closely with the manufacturer, we have put considerable thought into the design of the building to ensure that it delivers a truly premium customer sales and aftersales experience.”
Jonathan Inman, brand director for the Pentland Jaguar Land Rover division, added: “ The team is looking forward to working in this impressive state-of-the-art showroom.
“It has been an incredibly busy period to prepare for the opening of the site, but absolutely worth it and we are now looking forward to welcoming customers through the doors and both seeing and hearing their reaction to the facilities.”
JCMG chose to partner with Robertson Construction, who they have worked with on previous build developments. The group is currently planning longer-term projects for their existing Pentland Jaguar Land Rover showrooms to meet with manufacturers building and design requirements.
“We’ve been working with John Clark Motor Group for a number of years delivering high-specification car showrooms, meeting the exacting standards expected by both car manufacturers and automotive customers,” Keith Taylor, managing director, Robertson Construction Eastern, said.
“During this time, we’ve become trusted partners to the group. Our involvement in the development of new sites in Edinburgh, as well as in existing sites across the country, has further cemented our position as construction specialists delivering bespoke builds, tailored to our customers’ needs.”
JCMG is the second largest new and used dealership in Scotland. It currently operates 33 dealerships and operates in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee, Fife, Perth, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Elgin.
In addition to Jaguar and Land Rover, it also represents Audi, BMW, Dacia, Mini Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen and Nissan. It also operates Clark Commercials, Trades and parts and Clark Motor Choice (used cars).
The group, which employees 1300 people, recorded a £8.25 million profit in 2016.
Related: John Clark expands portfolio
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Jim McGill