THE New Year has started triumphantly for a regional VW car retailer after it has been rewarded for its achievements over the last three decades.

Volkswagen retailer South Hereford Garages was given a specially-commissioned watercolour painting by renowned artist Peter Welton to mark the occasion.

The presentation took place at the garage's Centurion Way showroom, and was attended by Paul Willis, Director of Volkswagen UK.

Mr Willis said: "Retailers such as South Hereford Garages are the bed-rock of the company. "Only through them can we provide the highest levels of customer care to which we aspire."

South Hereford Garages, which has been trading in Herefordshire for more than 30 years, is one of Volkswagen's longest established and most respected retailers. Throughout its history, the company has continued to invest in extensive manufacturer training and is one of the few independent retailers that still operates an apprenticeship scheme.

As a result customers benefit from having a team of experienced and fully qualified technicians to work on their vehicles, said a company spokesman.

Accreditation

The garage was also the first to achieve and retain the impressive standards set by Volkswagen's quality management accreditation, which demands proof of consistently high levels of service, repair and administration procedures in every department.

And South Hereford Garages' Chairman Bob Tabor, was keen to emphasise the importance of the loyalty shown by both the company's customers and his staff. "People are the most valuable asset to any successful business," he said.

"Our customers continue to be the most important people we know, which is why everyone here is totally committed to ensure their satisfaction is our number one priority. "We are very grateful to long-standing customers like George and June Reid (pictured) for their support and were delighted they could share in the celebrations.

"Our service advisor John Eversham, (also pictured), is one of a large number of long-serving employees who have been with the company for most, if not all, the time we've been in business.

"Thanks to their loyalty, dedication and commitment our customers know they will always see a friendly, familiar face they can trust and I am very proud of all they have achieved over the past twenty-five years."