Following hard on the heels of the launch of the new Volkswagen sales and service centre there, a new purpose-built showroom for Chrysler Jeep is now up and running.

The Chrysler Jeep operation is relocating from Helston Garages’ Tresillian base, again in the wake of the Volkswagen move - which in turn has freed up more space for a continuing and expanding Audi operation at Tresillian.

The Indian Queens base is one of the first UK dealers to be appointed for Dodge as the American giant launches its brand over here.
Dodge will be sold alongside Chrysler Jeep, with the first product available being the Caliber, the first of a series of new Dodge products coming into the UK over the next three years. The Caliber will be powered by a 2.0-litre Volkswagen diesel engine, as well as being the first application of the new petrol “World Engines.”
It is described as being “as versatile as a five-door hatchback, as sporty as a coupe, as functional as a 4 x 4, and as affordable as a compact car.” The Caliber helped increase Dodge’s US business last year by 37 per cent.
“Our investment in Indian Queens demonstrates the scale of our commitment to the Chrysler Jeep Dodge franchise as well as being phase two of the group’s Volkswagen-Chrysler-Audi redevelopment plan,” said Helston Garages managing director Andy Barrett..
“We are now strategically located, with service environments second to none, for a collection of the world’s greatest motoring names. The cornerstone of our success has always been the highest standards of customer care and service, and our new facilities enable us to take these qualities to a new level.”
One of the team ensuring that those standards are achieved is new sales executive Mark Wheeldon, who has joined from Kessels Daihatsu. Mark, 25, lives in St Columb and is also a retained firefighter.

New Indian Queens Base Offers More Used Cars

Carrs of Truro’s Volkswagen operation has expanded its used cars division following the company’s recent relocation to a state-of-the-art new base at Indian Queens.

As well as easier access and more customer parking spaces, the new base also has much more room for used cars than was the case at Tresillian near Truro.

It now typically has around 40 to 50 used Volkswagens on display at any one time – double the previous number. Carrs are also branching out by selling used non-Volkswagen models as well for the first time, with around 20 of these currently for sale.

The expanded operation has resulted in the appointment of Phil Bate to the newly created post of used car manager at Indian Queens.

Phil brings a wealth of motor industry sales experience, including running his own used cars site in Kent. Now living in Wadebridge, he joined Carrs in 2004 as a sales executive at Tresillian.

“We have never had the space to branch out in this way before, but now we will be pleased to buy and sell non-Volkswagen models as well,” said Matthew Gilbert, brand manager of Carrs Volkswagen at Indian Queens. “We will consider selling any model, provided of course that it is in good condition.”

Mr Gilbert said the new Indian Queens centre had now firmly established itself as a major new sales and service centre in Cornwall, following its commissioning in early February.

He added: “Our customers have told us they are absolutely delighted with the new facilities, which offer so much more space and such a comfortable and relaxed environment in which to do business together.”

The new centre is the main feature of a £2 million development programme that has also involved an expanded Audi operation at Carr’s Tresillian base.

The Indian Queens base represents the very latest Volkswagen retailer design concept for one of the world’s great motoring names and provides more convenient access for existing and prospective customers from places such as Bodmin, Wadebridge, Padstow and Newquay.