Driven
Issue 4 September 2015
Contents. 4–7
Northampton Audi Launch Night.
18-19 Putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising.
8-9
A day in the life.
20-21 Our delicious restaurant review.
Our thoughts on Northampton restaurant, The Smoke Pit.
10
Discover luxury.
22
A day of splendour awaits.
11
Get social with The Vindis Group.
23
Built for comfort.
12
We’re better together.
24-25 The Volkswagen Group
13
There’s a new kid in town.
We’re taking a look back at our fantastic showroom launch event.
Welcome to a day in the life of one of our dedicated Service Advisors.
Please welcome some exciting new models to the Bentley range.
Join us online with our social media accounts.
The Vindis Group are proud to be part of the local community.
Meet the brand new Volkswagen Transporter and Caddy!
14-15 The Audi Sport Showcase.
Rockingham Speedway welcomed the Audi Sport range to the tracks.
16-17 Meet the winners.
2
Our brand’s successes at the What Car? and Auto Express awards.
We teamed up with Macmillan for a fantastic day in Cambridge.
Join Bentley Cambridge on this fantastic charity event.
Meet the brilliant new, eighth generation, Volkswagen Passat.
Apprenticeship Programme.
Have you thought about becoming an apprentice?
26-29 All aboard the Bentley Express. Bentley’s event at the Whitwell and Reepham railway station.
30
The Audi RS3.
31
Vindis Upgrade.
Uncompromising, unrestrained, unleashed. A new car may be closer than you think.
A warm welcome to the fourth edition of Driven magazine. Since our last issue at the end of 2014 we have been busy across the group creating some fantastic memories with our customers at some wonderful events across our dealerships. Now that we’re well on our way through 2015 we have a great deal of things that we wanted to share with you. Driven was conceived for one very important reason; to communicate the passion we have for creating an experience that lasts long after you visit us. In this issue we have looked back over the exciting launch of the brand new Northampton Audi showroom, where we saw many faces, both familiar and new: We were delighted to be able to share the moment with so many of you, and thank you for helping to make this one of our biggest launches yet. We have also included a taste-bud tingling review of The Smoke Pit, the popular Northampton-based smokehouse, and one of our favourite haunts. And of course, we couldn’t create this issue of Driven without introducing you to all the new model releases, including the luxurious Bentley Bentayga, and the award-winning new Volkswagen Passat. We hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together and, as always, we welcome your feedback. If you would like to get in touch about something you have read, or have suggestions for something you would like to see in the future, please contact us at driven@vindisgroup.com Until the next issue, take care. Jamie Vindis Managing Director Vindis Group
3
Welcome to the official launch.
We launched our new Northampton Audi centre in style. For those customers who are regulars to our Northampton Audi centre, it would have been easy to spot a lot of activity underway both inside and outside, as we prepared the site for its incredible renovation project. Everyone visiting us during this period has been so patient as these works have been undertaken and we are pleased to say that our patience has been rewarded; Northampton Audi is now officially open, and it is bigger and better than ever!
carpet, they were treated to a display by two very talented fire breathers. Collecting their VIP card and lanyard the first stop for our customers was the bar, adorned with a beautiful glowing red welcome message. On offer here were a selection of Audi themed cocktails and mocktails, made freshly in front of our eyes! George Simpson, our very talented acoustic guitarist, began his set to serenade our growing crowds with a mixture of modern and classic songs, and many of our guests made lovely comments about his On Friday 3rd July we held a very special set as he played throughout the evening. launch evening to celebrate our brand new, flagship Audi centre and we rolled out For our artistically minded guests we the red carpet for over 400 excited guests. had a display by the talented Ian Cook Preparations had been underway all day to of Pop Bang Colour, who creates unique ensure that the showroom was ready for one artworks by painting with model cars. Ian of our biggest launch nights to date, and had previously joined us at the opening of we eagerly looked forward to 7pm to show Huntingdon Volkswagen and had proved you all what we had achieved. Throughout so popular we knew we just had to get him the day our acts, who had travelled from all back! As one of Audi’s most recent model across the country to be there on the night, launches the powerful RS3 Sportback is had been busily rehearsing and were now a real head turner and it joined us at the in place, ready for the official opening. An front of the showroom in welcoming you array of delicious food had been delicately into the building. Accepting our invitation, prepared by our catering team, who stood Ian travelled all the way from his weekend with silver trays waiting to ensure that our at Silverstone to paint us our very own guests were well looked after on the night. permanent Audi RS3 Sportback, in his signature style. This artwork will soon be hung As our first customers arrived at the centre, on the wall at Northampton Audi, so make and made their way up the glamorous red sure you check it out next time you drop in.
As our guests took some time at their leisure to explore all of the entertainment on offer, they wandered past our musician towards the exciting new Audi Sport area. Here we proudly displayed an exquisite matte Sepang Blue R8 alongside an original Audi UR quattro, boasting an eyewatering 700bhp. This new performance showroom allows us to display even more of the fantastic Audi range, as we know how popular such models are with our Northampton Audi customers. In front of the bar we’re sure visitors will have noticed the brand new Audi TT, painted in orange no less! The fantastic S1 was displayed next to another very important guest; a Ducati bike, straight from the Head Office at Silverstone. There was certainly no time to stop as the evening began to fly past. We’re sure you’ll agree that no glamorous launch event is complete without a little surprise. As our guests chatted away our pair of close-up magicians mingled with the crowds and wowed them with incredible card tricks and forks seemingly bent by the power of their minds! At 8pm two of our professional waiters, who were amongst the crowds serving a delicious array of canapés,
6
burst out into a medley of swing classics, including My Way and Ain’t That a Kick in the Head. It was great to see the surprise on our guest’s faces as it turned out that not all at Northampton Audi was as it seemed. As the lights dimmed, we welcomed to the stage some of our management team; Managing Director, Jamie Vindis, Audi Brand Director, Mark Morris, and the new Head of Business at Northampton Audi, Kay Facer. They welcomed the guests into the new centre, highlighting the new facilities available, and gave an insight into our Northampton Audi journey. Our management team were proud to attend this night as they, like all of us across the group, believe that it is important for our customers to be involved and informed about any decisions that affect them, such as the renovation of the site. With the friendly speeches over, it was time for us to introduce to you our friends from the Northampton Saints, and we welcomed up to the stage Dorian West and Jim Mallinder, alongside Group Marketing Manager, Paul Woodhouse.
We know that those in Northampton are nothing less than fanatical about their local team so it was a delight to notice the excitement amongst our guests as the pair took to the stage. Both Dorian and Jim sat down with Paul to discuss winning the Premiership, new players, the World Cup and of course the Audi range. We absolutely loved launching the brand new Northampton Audi to you, our customers and our friends, and we sincerely hope that all of you who joined us had a particularly memorable evening. We hope you managed to have a chat or got a photo with our guests from the Northampton Saints, and took advantage of all we had to offer you on the night. We are so proud of our home at Northampton Audi and think that this glamorous evening was a particularly
fitting launch event. Northampton Audi now has so much more to offer, including the new direct vehicle reception to speed up the drop-off process, and the upstairs, calming customer lounge. Should you wish to wait for your vehicle, this provides the perfect space to enjoy a drink and a biscuit as we take care of your vehicle in our state-of-the-art workshop. The centre has been designed to make sure that you experience exceptional service every time you visit us, and the open plan layout makes for a relaxing journey around all of the vehicles on display. Once again, we must thank each and every one of you for coming along and making for an incredibly fun night, and we look forward to welcoming you all back to Northampton Audi in the very near future.
7
A day in the life... Hi Natasha, firstly can you tell us a little bit about yourself. Hello, I’m Natasha, one of the Service Advisors here at Huntingdon Volkswagen. I was born, and have grown up, in the local area so I’m happy to now be helping the local people. I have always been aware of the Vindis Group as my Mum worked in a variety of positions within the group for over twenty years! Leaving school I initially went to college to study Beauty Therapy and worked at Vindis as a Saturday Receptionist. I enjoyed my time in that role and upon completing my college course I decided that I’d much prefer to pursue a career with the company, having seen my Mum’s success. Happily, they took me on full time as a Receptionist and so began my career with the Vindis Group!
What did you do prior to your role as a Service Advisor? My role as a Receptionist was brilliant at improving my confidence as I met and spoke to a variety of new people throughout my day. I remember Jason Packer, the Volkswagen Brand Director, encouraging me to believe in myself, as I wasn’t sure I could do anything other than work on Reception. He offered me the role as Showroom Host and although I was nervous I accepted the offer, gaining greater confidence in myself. Gaining some experience in this role, and enjoying the variety that the job had to offer I decided to challenge myself once again, and took on the role of Booking Coordinator in the service team. With the site move in 2013 from St. Ives to our new home on Washingley Road, Huntingdon I was offered the role of Service Advisor and the rest, as they say, is history!
What do you enjoy the most about being a Service Advisor? I would have to say it is the satisfaction of making an undesirable purchase, (because let’s face it, who enjoys taking their car to be serviced?), a great experience for my customers. It’s a really great feeling just receiving a smile and a thank you in order to build up a really good relationship with all of my customers.
What do you think makes Vindis different to its competitors? The Vindis Group, from Huntingdon to Fakenham and everything in between, really feels like one big family. Everyone is included, regardless of their job title and we always help each other out without a moment’s notice. We like our customers to experience happy staff and also the value of the service we offer them.
Can you give us a brief ‘day in the life’ of a Service Advisor? I arrive at work with the challenge of being quick and efficient for my customers, many of
8
Introducing Natasha Read
Service Advisor at Huntingdon Volkswagen.
whom are in a rush to get back to work or other appointments. To do this, I need to make sure my paperwork has been pre-planned; that my customers have been called the day before and my handovers are detailed, and ready for me. Most importantly, this involves asking ‘what is the most important thing I can do for you?’, then I follow the routine of preparing the paperwork and arranging pick up times. Throughout the day I then advise customers of any work that may be required on their vehicle whilst it is in with us and has been through the workshop to make sure that they are all safe. I would then prepare and confirm that the vehicle is ready for collection and has been cleaned, meaning one less job for the customer to do! It may be a small job but I think it is a great finishing touch in order to ensure that you are always extremely satisfied when you collect your vehicle.
What would you say your most asked question is from your customers, and can you answer it for us? I actually think the most asked question is, ‘Will my car be cleaned?’. This just goes to show that amongst all the necessary jobs that come with car ownership, it is the little things that matter the most.
Where do you see your career progressing at the Vindis Group? I would certainly like to progress further in the group as I believe there are some great opportunities ahead. My current challenge is to become an Accredited Volkswagen Service Advisor, which I am working towards as we speak, as I know this will help me a lot in my career.
If you could sum up your day in one word, what would it be? If I had to sum up my day in one word it would be ‘challenging’! I believe that my role is one of the hardest in the motor industry but I absolutely love the challenge and really do try to give my absolute all to my customers.
If you could drive away in any car in the showroom, what would it be and why? I currently own a Volkswagen Polo R Line which I think is the perfect car for me, however I have been eyeing up the little car that you can find in the Parts Accessories area at Huntingdon Volkswagen, it’s in the shape of a Beetle*. Forget the horsepower; it’s all about the leg power! No seriously though, I do love the Volkswagen Golf R Line, I mean, who doesn’t? It’s a very pretty car! *Natasha seems to have her eye on the Beetle Pedal Car which is fabulous, but certainly not recommended for adults. Sorry!
9
Discover luxury.
It’s been an exciting year for those who have been captivated by the Bentley range, with a new concept vehicle, the company’s first SUV, a number of model upgrades and some very special editions. It’s fair to say that Bentley don’t do things by half so with the announcement of the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept vehicle, we waited patiently for the first glimpse of this exquisite machine. Concept vehicles appear in all shapes and sizes, with many never making it past the concept stage. Of all those we’ve seen this year we have our fingers crossed for the production of the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6. The words of Bentley’s Head of Advanced Design, Sang Yup Lee, say it all; “When I judge a sports car, I have a simple logic. Unless you fall in love with it at first sight, the car is a failure.” This is nowhere more apparent across the Bentley range than in the new concept vehicle that was recently unveiled. Having stolen the attention of crowds around the world the car won the Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes at the renowned Italian Concorso d’Eleganza Villa D’Este car show. The vehicle is a real head turner; sleek and modern, with a Bentley powerhouse beneath the bonnet. Of course, effortless road performance comes as standard.
Moving onto a much larger vehicle Bentley announced the arrival of their very first SUV, the Bentayga. The SUV has been designed to be breathtakingly beautiful, allowing those within to transport themselves to new, exciting environments, in luxury and style. Taking inspiration from the Taiga, the transcontinental
10
snow forest in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Roque Bentayga, an imposing mountain peak in Gran Canaria the vehicle in completely uncompromising. With a release as unusual as this one, it is no surprise that the Bentayga is already in high demand. It is due to be launched in Autumn this year so if you would like any more information about the Bentley Bentayga, or would like to place a deposit, please speak to the team at Bentley Cambridge who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Bentley recently announced a limited edition version of their Continental GT Speed, and when Bentley announce that their vehicles are limited, you had best be prepared to move fast. Inspired by the Breitling jets themselves, Bentley released the Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series and limited it to just seven models. Making its debut at the end of July, the vehicle comes with its very own colour scheme to distinguish it from the rest of the range, with a ‘Hallmark’ and ‘Onyx’ paint split on the exterior, with Breitling yellow accents both inside and out. Each of the seven vehicles relates to an individual jet, and this is shown inside the cabin where the corresponding jet is highlighted in their signature flight formation, displayed on the passenger side. If the car wasn’t unique enough, the handover is something very special indeed. After a flight in the vehicle’s corresponding jet an official handover with the jet pilot will take place. These vehicles are so rare we can only hope of seeing one in the flesh. Perhaps we will see one up for sale at Bentley Cambridge in the future!
“Everyone is driven “
by something. We’re driven by experience.
Join the conversation... facebook.com/vindisgroup @vindisgroup vindisgroup @vindisgroup vindisgroup
11
We’re better together. Involvement in the community is a vital part of staying true to our commitment of cherishing our local communities and we are happy to support a number of local sports teams and individuals. It is fantastic for both staff and customers when we can join forces with our sponsors to make our events a little bit more special, and to provide great opportunities for our customers that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to. We really do think that when it comes to the local community, we are better together. The Vindis Group’s involvement with Cambridge United started back in 2012 as the official Motoring and Motability sponsor. Now, three years later, we are happy to continue this sponsorship as we watch the club go from strength to strength. The club’s successes have seen them move into League 2, win the F.A Trophy in 2014 and go head to head with the mighty Manchester United back in January this year. We are continuing our sponsorship as the official Man of the Match sponsors, and have partnered with Cambridge United at a number of matches and local events, most recently our fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, which you can read more about on pages 18-19. They kindly lent us some of their players for the afternoon to help raise money for this great cause. We are happy to have come across some wonderful fans of the club, who have made their way into our dealerships over the past few years of sponsorship. We love hearing, and seeing, your enthusiasm and are excited to be able to provide so many home game ticket giveaways for our wonderful customers. We wish the team all the best throughout the rest of 2015!
On a bank holiday weekend back in April Cambridge United went head to head with Northampton Town and we were kindly invited along as match sponsors. Well, what better way to support two fantastic local teams than with an exciting competition and some fantastic prizes. Our #FlagSelfie competition was a roaring success, with two winners taking home a night away, and a car to get them there and back. Check out some of the entries using the hashtag on twitter! For those of you who missed us this time, we will back later this year to watch the two teams go head to head once more, as part of our ongoing Player of the Month sponsorship with Northampton Town. Luckily for us there’s an abundance of brilliant sports teams in the area, and a few years back we were excited to be able to offer our customers an alternative to football with our sponsorship of the Northampton Saints rugby team, and Director of Rugby, Jim Mallinder. With this sponsorship going from strength to strength, we recently welcomed in Hooker, Dylan Hartley, and Forwards Coach, Dorian West to cement our friendship. Regulars in our dealerships we were happy to provide them with three cars in order to help them commute between training and games, and everything in between! Our sponsorship looks set to continue well into 2016 and, if you’re really lucky, you may see them at events in the future. We’re very lucky to have such a great relationship with all of our sponsors, which allows us to offer special competitions and guest event appearances. We can’t wait to head into 2016 with such an exciting year planned!
Meet the new Transporter and Caddy. We think they’re vantastic!
We know that for a lot of our customers, their vans are their business, and ultimately their livelihood. Not only do these vehicles need to be safe, reliable and fuel efficient, but they also need to look as professional as the people inside. Style and technology certainly are important factors when choosing the perfect van for your business, and Volkswagen have spoilt us this year with not one but two new models. The Transporter and the Caddy, respectively, are the first and second best selling vehicles in the Commercial Vehicle lineup, and have both received a facelift and engine upgrade. The all new vans are now available at our van centres, and look very smart indeed. Why not pop in to our van centres and take a look around them? We can’t wait to introduce them to you! They are now at the top of their game, ready for anything you may throw at them, wherever your business takes you. The new range of Euro 6 Diesel engines with BlueMotion technology keep emissions and fuel consumption down, ensuring that next tank of fuel keeps you and your business going for longer. The fantastic new Transporter comes with eye catching new styling, including chrome accents and brand new alloy wheels, whilst the body keeps all of its iconic Transporter style. Inside this new model the interior oozes modern style whilst remaining as practical, comfortable and spacious as you would
expect, thanks to a range of seat, roof and wheelbase options available. The Volkswagen Caddy has also received an upgrade and, like its Transporter brother, it remains as hard working as always, with new styling to increase your driving enjoyment. Available in both the Caddy Van and Caddy Life models, we know you’re going to love this latest generation. Again, chrome accents on the exterior give a sporty appearance to the vehicle and the styling has been sharpened for a more aggressive road presence. Heading inside the new Caddy you will notice a brand new dashboard upfront with a range of infotainment technologies, including DAB radio and Bluetooth interface. A whole host of options are available when you pick up your new Caddy, including Cruise Control and City Emergency Braking. This technology is designed to avoid impending collisions, using lasers to check distances around the vehicle. Volkswagen have designed the latest generation Caddy to feel as car-like as possible, keeping the van comfortable, safe, easy to manoeuvre and very, very clever. For further information on the new Volkswagen Transporter or Caddy, please speak to a member of our lovely sales teams at Northampton or St Ives.
Welcome to the Audi Sport Showcase. On Sunday 2nd August the teams from Vindis Group Marketing and our Audi centres headed over to Rockingham Speedway in Corby for our annual Audi Sport Showcase. Preparations had been underway for a number of weeks and with our busy test drive schedule fully booked we couldn’t wait to get the day started and welcome our fantastic customers to what was going to be a jam-packed, fun-filled day. Having set up our test drives, Wet Grip track with the brilliant Audi SQ5 and S3, and our Handling Experience with a TTS, S3 and S3 Saloon there was nothing left to do but get the day underway. The Audi Sport range shows off the most powerful and luxurious cars on offer, and was missing only the superb new R8 which is due to be with us in November. As our customers began to arrive, the sun was shining and our pro-drivers were eager to get behind the wheel, to demonstrate what these fantastic vehicles were capable of. Inside our registration building the crowds began to grow, as our family friendly entertainment kept everybody amused, and the Rockingham team put out a tasty spread of breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Audi’s R8 gaming pods and our F1 simulator allowed guests to put their racing heads on, whilst our Batak reaction wall saw everyone’s competitive side emerge as they battled husbands, wives and even children to get to the top of the leader board!
14
Every hour we waved goodbye to 16 families, who had taken up the chance of a 40-minute, unaccompanied test drive in one of our S or RS models. From cabriolets and SUVs to the top of the range RS7 the vehicles were put through their paces along a variety of roads, showing off their comfort, technology and driving performance. We also welcomed some of our sponsorship guests to this event, including Northampton Saints Hooker Dylan Hartley, and Cambridge United FC player, Josh Coulson. We got some fantastic video footage and pictures of the boys on the Wet Grip track and testing the range, and we can’t wait to share these with you shortly. Happily, both gave the range a big seal of approval! Taking time away from the noise and speed of the other activities, a top-spec, luxurious RS7 greeted our guests on their way in to the building and spent the day showing off the Park Assist technology. We had great feedback about this, with many not realising what a fantastic upgrade option this is. Driving past a space the vehicle detects if it is suitable to parallel park in, and alerts you to its presence. Putting the vehicle into reverse the sensors and camera around the car constantly monitors the other parked cars, and it proceeds to steer itself perfectly into the space. All our guests had to do was gently accelerate and brake. It’s certainly daunting watching the steering wheel turn on its own, but sure enough it parked itself perfectly every time. Heading over to the Wet Grip track you would have noticed two vehicles full of excited but rather apprehensive customers. Our expert pro-drivers talked them through the experience, which included a kick plate underneath the car to simulate the loss of control in wet conditions. Thankfully, under our driver’s guidance our customers soon got to grips with this, utilising the intelligent control and braking systems available. With their use of quattro technology the cars felt extremely stable in these conditions, and it certainly shows how well these vehicles are equipped to deal with those situations that could so easily get out of control. We had an absolutely fantastic day at Rockingham Speedway, and we can think of no better way to spend a sunny summer’s afternoon than in the presence of the cream of the crop of the Audi range. Thank you to all of you who came along, many of whom drove for hours to come and spend the day with us. We hope you all had a fantastic day out and really got the most out of the vehicles you were driving. Here’s to next year!
15
And the winner is...
We’re very proud to represent such a fantastic range of vehicles, and although it’s always great to hear about the fantastic awards that our brands have won, secretly we’re not really surprised! It’s been a fantastic year for our brands who have scooped awards not only at the coveted What Car? awards, but also recently at the Auto Express awards. The What Car? awards are a big deal, running annually since their launch back in 1978. Desired by car manufacturers, and very much respected by car buyers, the awards cover everything from the little to the large to the luxurious, and everything in between. Meanwhile, the Auto Express team announced their winners in July to honour the best on the road today. The expert judges from both teams are scrupulous and demand the highest standards from the models on offer. Presenting the best the year has to offer us the judges take into account depreciation, safety features and running costs and you can be sure that all the winners have been vigorously tested! Auto Express commented: “we’re confident that the 22 class winners in the Auto Express New Car Awards 2015 are the very best new cars you can currently buy – whatever you need and whatever you’ve got to spend.” Without further ado, let us introduce you to the first of our fabulous winners! We were over the moon to discover that Czech giant ŠKODA scooped the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year 2015 award, for the brilliant new Fabia, adding to what is already an overflowing trophy cabinet! Available in three trims, the Fabia offers outstanding value with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, all wrapped up in one ‘Simply Clever’ package. Since its first generation, launched all the way back in 1999, a quarter of a million Fabias have found their way into loving family homes here in the UK alone. It’s clear the Fabia is a well-loved, super practical but stylishly good looking family car. What Car? concluded that: “the Fabia is one of the very few cars on sale today that has no major weaknesses, and it is keenly priced.” The Fabia also won the Small Car of the Year category, stealing the top spot away from Dacia and MINI, whilst its older brother, the ŠKODA Octavia, took home the award for Best Family Car, which we’re sure it will display proudly next to last year’s award in the same category. After an incredibly successful year for ŠKODA it’s no surprise that they topped the Auto Express Driver Power survey in a number of categories, including Best Manufacturer.
16
The ŠKODA Citigo won the Auto Express City Car of the Year award for the fourth time in a row thanks to its brilliant combination of value for money, practicality, spacious interior and range of engines. We’re all big fans here of the little Citigo! Their pick of the range was the Citigo SE L 1.0 75 Greentech. Good choice! We’re particularly big fans of the Black Edition too! The stylish ŠKODA Superb topped it all off after setting its sights on the Family Car of the Year. Taking into account comfort, refinement, and value, the Superb was the natural choice. Auto Express agreed that: “with its dazzling quality and incredible flexibility, plus aggressive pricing … the Superb’s grip on the family class will be tough to break.”
We seldom hear of electric vehicles receiving public awards which is why when What Car? held their Best Electric Car award we listened intently for the winner. We just knew the brilliant Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, which has a range of 31 miles on electric power alone, was in the running. With a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine kicking in on longer journeys the A3 Sportback e-tron provides a fantastic middle ground, and for many, including company car buyers, they are becoming the sensible choice. We’re definitely fans of this diverse vehicle here! As you may have guessed, Audi are not strangers to an award or two and of course the What Car? and Auto Express awards helped them fill in the trophy cabinet a little bit more! The beautifully styled Audi TT took home the Coupé of the Year award in both categories proving that when it comes to an exciting, sporty coupe it’s hard to top! Auto Express commended the ‘cutting-edge’ unique design, that we’re sure you’ll agree is a real head turner on the road. The range of equipment inside, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, makes for a minimalist yet efficient interior. Having been nominated for the What Car? Coupé of the Year for eight consecutive years, and winning seven of those, (no small feat when you consider the amount of coupés on the market), What Car? concluded that “it’s so good, we wouldn’t bet against it winning this award for years to come.” In true TT style, Audi have created a new icon. The comfortable, powerful Audi A6 kept hold of its Executive Car of the Year award from Auto Express as it impressed with its smooth S tronic transmission and sprightly performance, whilst maintaining impressive running costs and ‘limo-style comfort’. The A6 proves a popular car across our centres and it’s a clear choice for those looking for an executive vehicle. Continuing on a winning streak the A3 Cabriolet drove away with the What Car? Best Convertible Car and the Auto Express Convertible of the Year titles. Released in 2014, this current model comes with a wide range of engines, and the judges agreed that the “great handling and space for four adults and their luggage are the icing on the cake.” Stealing the title away from its Porsche and BMW rivals, the A3 Cabriolet proved the best all-rounder, with practicality and style at its roots. Auto Express commented that the A3 is “relatively practical, with four seats and a big boot… making this a car for all seasons.” Not to be outdone, Volkswagen excelled in the Auto Express awards picking up the Estate Car of the Year for the Volkswagen Passat Estate, and Supermini of the Year for the fun little Polo. Proving that there’s a Volkswagen for everyone, the Passat Estate exudes top-quality luxury, and boasts a boot space of a class leading 650 litres. With its executive feel and solid drive on all roads we’re sure you’ll agree that the Passat Estate is a very worthy winner! The Polo’s victory came thanks to its upmarket quality and fantastic range of engines, including the fuel-efficient BlueMotion. Auto Express commended the quiet cabin at high speeds and excellent suspension. It’s a firm favourite here. Phew! So there’s plenty of award-winning vehicles to check out across our dealerships, and of course if you would like to test out these vehicles for yourself we’re only a quick phone call or visit away. In the meantime we’re always keeping an ear to the ground for new releases so make sure you keep an eye on the Vindis Group website, where we will do our best to let you know all the latest model news!
17
We’re putting the ‘fun’ back into fundraising A charity like Macmillan needs very little introduction as their work in communities up and down the country helps not only those suffering from cancer, but also the families and friends of patients who are in need of urgent support when times are tough. It is for this reason that back in March we decided to hold a very special event at the Grand Arcade in Cambridge, in order to help raise some vital funds for their most recent project in Cambridgeshire; the new and improved Woodlands Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. The Macmillan team are friends of the Vindis Group and as such we always look forward to fundraising for them, through events such as their famous coffee mornings. The local Macmillan team are incredibly supportive of events that we hold and we have set ourselves a goal of raising enough funds over the next two years to support a Macmillan nurse in our local area. When the team at Vindis Group head out to help raise some much needed funds we are always surprised at how incredibly open people are, and how bright their strength and spirit shines through. Arriving at the Grand Arcade shopping centre, in Cambridge, we beat the hustle and bustle of the crowds to claim our corner of the centre. We adorned the area with Vindis and Macmillan banners, and had an array of Vindis goodies available for those who came over to meet us. Information on the new centre was available from the local fundraising manager who kindly joined us on the day, and she was all ready to offer support and information for those who needed a helping hand. To create a fun environment we had to really step up our game to attract the crowds, and what better way to do so than to bring with us the Groovy Camper, a Photo Booth inside a working mini Volkswagen Campervan! This photo booth was our star attraction and saw many faces come and go throughout the day, each willing to donate generously as soon as they saw what we were raising for. A number of props were available in the booth, from giant glasses and moustaches, to funny signs and some of the photos that printed out were quite a picture! The first couple to approach us on the day had recognised our Vindis banners and came over to ask what we were up to!
They mentioned that they were long-standing customers of ours, being local to the area, and that they were also big supporters of Macmillan so were eager to be the first to help fill up the bucket. As our partnership with Cambridge United Football Club continues we were happy to welcome along two members of the current team, Ryan Donaldson and Will Norris, who kindly gave up their time to help us reach our fundraising target. They certainly attracted the crowds, eager to see what was going on. Many of our visitors were big fans of Cambridge United, and wished for a quick picture or a signed football, our little way of saying thank you for supporting us. All money raised at this event has been put towards the building of the new Woodlands Centre, at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, which requires much needed improvements and expansion. The current centre provides outpatient chemotherapy treatment but Macmillan estimate that the number of patients needing such treatment will double to 3,000 by 2016. Well over £1million is needed for this renovation and without the generosity of the general public it is clear that totals like this would simply not be possible. As a result, every penny makes a huge difference, and we would like to thank everyone who took a minute out of their day to come over to our stand to say hello to the Vindis and Macmillan team. Later this year, members of our Head Office management team will be challenging themselves to an intense 24 hours with the Three Peaks Challenge, and will be fundraising for Macmillan. We know this will be no easy task so we will be fundraising both internally and externally. Make sure you keep an eye on our website throughout September for more information on this exciting challenge. We always knew that the city of Cambridge was a generous one, but your positive attitude on the day, and eagerness to understand the work of Macmillan astounded us all. We can’t wait for our next partnership event and we are confident that we will reach our targets before the year is out!
19
An authentic American smokehouse in the heart of Northampton.
Finding an independent, friendly and unique place to eat in a large town is no easy task these days, with big name restaurant chains moving in to every empty building. Thankfully, nestled on The Ridings, a narrow street in the town centre, The Smoke Pit brings the authentic taste of the American smokehouse to our shores, and combines it with a fabulous twist of British flavours and a dedication to local, free range ingredients. Run by brothers James and Matt Ingram, who are both chefs by trade, The Smoke Pit greets you firstly with door handles crafted to look like butchers knives. It is here you know you are in for a real treat and The Smoke Pit’s quirkiness doesn’t stop there. Entering the restaurant we were greeted by the friendly staff who showed us to our table in the centre of the room. First impressions of the restaurant are exciting to say the least! The impressive building dates back to 1856, standing as a bakery until the late 1970’s. Two sloping glass roofs fill the room with light, hanging baskets hang from the beams above and table condiments are served in recycled glass bottles. A charming mix of French bistro style furniture complement the reclaimed tables, including some made from recycled cable wheels, giving an industrial edge to the quirky restaurant. The atmosphere inside was immediately welcoming and the most fantastic dining experience was about to begin. Inspiration behind The Smoke Pit began on a family holiday to Florida back in December 2013. After spending many years working for others in the catering industry, the brothers decided that their future lay in a restaurant business of their own, taking inspiration from the range of smokehouse foods available stateside. By January 2014 they were in talks with friends and family and by November of the same year the keys were in their hands! Launching The Smoke Pit with an exciting opening night on 23rd January they attracted large crowds, including the Northampton Saints rugby team, (who certainly kept the chefs busy in the kitchen!), and guests were treated to a lively performance by the Travelling Riverside Blues Band.
20
Since that night the restaurant has gone from strength to strength and it has only cemented the Ingram brothers’ enthusiasm in going it alone. They admitted that, after the whirlwind launch experience, if the chance came up they would love to open another place up in
Northampton, but with a completely different menu theme, meaning that The Smoke Pit will always offer a unique meal out. In the short time it has been open the restaurant has received rave reviews. James and Matt recall a gentleman on business from Holland who travelled all the way to Northampton from his London hotel to visit The Smoke Pit. How many other new starters can boast such word-of-mouth popularity? Decoration inside the restaurant shows off the work of a local graffiti artist who has created themed murals on the ceilings and walls, depicting a ranch style scene, the kitchen and the barbecue. The Smoke Pit can also boast very artistic staff with barman Nathanael creating the canvases displayed around the room. It’s a lovely touch that these are all available to buy and we struggled to find one without a sold sign attached to it. To say we were blown away by the choice is an understatement, and we guarantee that whatever your tastes you won’t be leaving The Smoke Pit hungry! Sending the waitress away twice before finally deciding on our meals we looked over steaks, pulled pork, ribs and burgers that adorn the menu with an exciting variety of sides. The authentic American smoker uses different types of wood for each different meat, and a range of barbecue sauce flavours that include root beer, cola and bourbon to name a few. It’s the attention to detail that really made us smile. A number of delicious platters are available if you really can’t decide what you would like. Marmite and black pepper butter or chilli jam are sure to make your taste buds tingle whilst, if you still have room, the dessert menu offers impressively named dishes such as Vanilla and Salted Caramel Cake or Buffalo Trace Pannacotta. After a very short wait our dishes arrived and we weren’t disappointed. It’s clear that the menu has been built on a love of good, hearty food and the American/British twist is a real winner. Trying to pick out options to suit your diet can sometimes be a difficult task, but thankfully, the team at The Smoke Pit have got you covered. Despite the amount of meat available there are two very tasty-sounding vegetarian options on the menu and any food allergy can be catered to. With one gluten-free reviewer at the restaurant we were particularly pleased to find that the majority of the options on the menu were indeed gluten free and all staff very knowledgeable about the ingredients used in the dishes. If you’d prefer to head to The Smoke Pit for some drinks you’ll be treated to a wide range of beer, whiskey, rum, ‘hard’ shakes, a large wine menu and The Smoke Pit’s very own Pilsner and APA. They can even boast exclusivity in soon stocking the first beer brewed by ex-Northampton Saints player Brian Mujati and the Mujati Brewing Company, adding to the individuality that The Smoke Pit exudes. Grabbing a drink you can sit on the inviting oldfashioned leather sofas and armchairs that welcome you as your step through the front doors. The Smoke Pit looks set to be a firm favourite both in Northampton and for those wanting to make the journey to somewhere a little more special. They do advise that you book ahead, but the restaurant is most certainly worth the wait. Eating here is an experience to be savoured; fantastic, fresh local ingredients, a keenly priced menu and an individuality that’s hard to beat. It’s a hooves, trotters and thumbs up from us.
Travel in the lap of luxury. The Bentley Cambridge Orient Express VIP day. The Orient Express is one of the most iconic names in the world, known far and wide for its unprecedented luxury. What more unique way is there to explore the English countryside than to board the Belmond Northern Belle carriages, and spend a day travelling in style. On Saturday 26th September, from Norwich, Ely or Peterborough you will be warmly welcomed aboard immaculate carriages, designed to reflect the affluent ‘Belle’ trains of the 1930’s. Sparkling Bellini, and a delicious three-course brunch will be served whilst you admire the beautiful landscapes beyond. Crossing into Cheshire you will soon arrive in the historic city of Chester, to find cosy pubs, Michelin starred restaurants, and designer shops, creating a very special place to while away an afternoon. You may choose to jump aboard one of our coaches for a short tour before departing at the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, to discover over 2,000 years of vibrant history. There will be plenty of time to visit the highly
decorated Eastgate and Eastgate clock and the medieval cathedral, rich in heritage, where tours are available to take you to the top of the tower. As the day draws to a close we will welcome you back to your seats and you will begin your most comfortable return journey with a Champagne reception and an entertaining, delicious four-course Gala dinner as the sun sets. Relax as the Northern Belle covers the miles back home. Bentley Cambridge, part of the Vindis Group, is hosting this event in partnership with East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, who care for children with life threatening illnesses. We will be donating all profits from this event to this most worthwhile charity. Travel in the lap of luxury this September on one of the most magnificent train journeys through the English countryside. We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a day of unparalleled excellence.
Limited seats available, at £399 per person. To secure your place on this most luxurious of journeys, please contact Jessica Perks by calling 01223 423515 or emailing jessica.perks@bentleycambridge.co.uk, and quoting ‘VINDIS’.
22
The new Volkswagen Passat. Built for comfort. The launch of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat caused quite a stir, with rave reviews right behind its release both online and at this year’s car shows. Available in both the Passat and Passat Estate it gained a five star review from Auto Express, a four and a half from Car Buyer and a huge thumbs up from us. It even took the attention across the continent as it picked up the Car of the Year 2015 award at the Geneva Motor Show as judges across Europe agreed that it offered ‘quality and functionality in every aspect’. With the 2015 model designed to be much more economical, with a range of diesel engines the Passat exudes understated luxury, perfect both as a family car or an executive vehicle. Equipment in the Passat ensures that the vehicle rises to the top of its class, offering a whole list of specifications as standard, including Bluetooth connectivity, hill-hold control, alloy wheels and electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors.
New to the range we also look forward to welcoming the Passat Alltrack this September, perfect for those who want to bring comfort to their adventure. Subtle badging identifies this vehicle as the rugged brother of the standard Passat, along with plastic trims, and increased ride height, and Volkswagen’s allwheel-drive system. The most powerful two litre diesel engine throws out 237bhp ensuring that whatever the road conditions, you can keep up the pace. Put the Alltrack in Off Road mode and throttle response is adjusted, and the hill start and descent systems are activated to ensure that your car sticks to the road, even when you don’t. If you would like to test drive the latest, award-winning Passat, please contact your nearest Vindis Volkswagen retailer, details of which can be found at the back of this magazine.
23
Here’s to the future. Learn a little about the Volkswagen Apprentice Scheme, and meet some of those who have started their career with us. If you visit any of our dealerships it is highly likely that amongst our fantastic management, sales and workshop teams you will find the future stars of the Vindis Group! The Volkswagen Apprenticeship Programme offers qualifications as a Parts Advisor, Product Host or Service Technician, allowing new starters to build up a wealth of vehicle knowledge and experience, and receive some very valuable skills on the way. At Vindis we know that a new job can be scary, which is why when you join us we will do our best to make you an integral part of the team in no time. Our friendly dealerships are always ready to welcome in the future stars of the company and you can be sure that any job you take will be the stepping stone to bigger and brighter things! On top of our usual job listings you may notice a few apprentice roles that appear, and these will be part of the Volkswagen Group Apprenticeship Programme. Becoming an apprentice is a fantastic way to get into the career you’ve always dreamed of, with a hands-on training regime with our fully trained staff at our dealerships, and with Volkswagen themselves at their dedicated training centre, based in Milton Keynes. They know that in order to keep the brand, and ultimately our customer’s vehicles running the way they should, it is important to have dedicated, knowledgeable people. With the training on offer you can become a fully qualified Product Host, Parts Advisor or Service Technician in just three years, and it will keep you up-to-date with advancing technologies and ensure you are the absolute best that you can be.
24
When taking on new apprentices here at Vindis we are looking for that passion that makes you stand out from the crowd, the determination that will get you through the scheme with top marks, and the dedication to get through the challenging, but ultimately rewarding scheme. Work here is fast-paced and we are proud that our technicians and service advisors know our vehicles like the back of their hand, thanks to the extensive product training on offer, but at the end of the day you must remember to provide premium customer service, to match our premium brands. We’re proud to have some fantastic employees with us on the apprenticeship scheme, with one of our apprentices at Vindis Sawston having won the Volkswagen Apprentice of the Year and the Volkswagen Group Apprentice of the year, which is testament to both the hardworking individuals and the support from our fantastic Vindis teams! The apprenticeship scheme allows you to achieve a number of qualifications including: • An NVQ Level 3 in Maintenance and Repair of Light Vehicles • Key and Score Skills Certificate • IMI Technical Certificate • Advanced Apprenticeship Completion Certificate • ATA Service and Maintenance Technician (Commercial Vehicles) • Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Service Technician (Commercial Vehicles)
Of course, the best way to really learn about a training scheme like this one is to ask some of those who are already on it, and well on their way to becoming accredited! We managed to track down two of our super busy apprentices to find out what made them join, and what they really think about the scheme. We’d like to introduce you to Alex and Danielle. First up was Alex Booth an Apprentice Parts Advisor at Huntingdon Volkswagen. Alex joined the apprenticeship programme straight from sixth form, deciding that he wanted to get started on his career in the motor industry straight away. Alex is now in his eighth month of his two year apprenticeship and loves the opportunities that it brings. Having originally seen an advertisement for the job role Alex was lucky enough to be accepted on the scheme and took up his role at Huntingdon. Although he is based full time at the dealership, Alex spends a total of five weeks over each year at Volkswagen’s training facility in Milton Keynes where he gets hands on training with the brand, to keep up-to-date with all the latest technologies. Alex told us; “I decided to start an apprenticeship straight from school because I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I chose the Volkswagen Apprenticeship Programme over all of the others as I thought the training was a lot more thorough, and it surpassed all my expectations for an apprenticeship. I’m only eight months in, and the work is challenging but I’m really enjoying it, and I know I’ve made the right decision.”
Heading over to the Northampton Van Centre, we currently have another Apprentice Parts Advisor, Danielle Tebby. Danielle started her two-year apprenticeship with us all the way back in November 2013 and will be finishing her training at the end of the year. On completion she will be trained up to a level 3, accredited Parts Advisor and will be at the forefront of the Northampton Van Centre business, helping you with any issues you may have with your vehicle. We spoke to Danielle about her current experience with the scheme and she told us; “I absolutely love the apprenticeship and am really enjoying the work it involves, and I chose the Volkswagen scheme due to the high quality of the brand over others. I started initially with one of Vindis’ Audi centres, however, have since moved to Northampton Van Centre as I used to earn a living as a van driver, and this reflects my love of both cars and vans. It was actually my sister who got an apprenticeship with a Vindis Audi centre first, and seeing how well she was doing, and the training that she received, I knew I just had to do it myself. I was ready for a career change and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.” Like Alex, Danielle completes five weeks of training a year with Volkswagen at Milton Keynes, every six to eight weeks, and we look forward to her joining the team in November as a fully-fledged Parts Advisor!
If you’re interested in a career with us, and know that you have the passion and dedication to make an apprenticeship a success then make sure you keep an eye on our website, vindisgroup.com/careers, where all of our available opportunities will be listed. We can’t wait for you to join us!
25
All aboard the Bentley Express. 26
Approaching the entrance to Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station on this fine April morning, our guests were met with the most fantastic sight; a line of superbly displayed Bentleys, sitting proudly on this little piece of Norfolk land. An elegant mix of both old and new, these vehicles were kindly brought along by their discerning owners, for the pleasure of all those in attendance at the Bentley Cambridge Whitwell and Reepham Rail Experience.
The guests in question had arrived at a lovingly restored railway station, complete with platforms, steam engines and a signal tower. The station owner is a customer of Bentley Cambridge and is as enthusiastic about the brand as we are. Staff at the Whitwell and Reepham railway work hard to ensure the station is as authentic as it can be, and the hard work really pays off. The station celebrates a truly British pastime; steam engines began in Britain and played an important role in tourism The 2015 range of Bentleys complimented and industry up until their inevitable decline the heritage vehicles on display perfectly. in the mid twentieth century. The station Though different in looks the heart and soul opened its doors in July 1882 as part of the of these vehicles remains the same, and Midland and Great Northern Joint Railways with such a unique racing pedigree it is and ran up until its closure in March 1959. clear to see why Bentley remains such an iconic brand. Commanding the attention In 2009, almost 50 years later, the station of the passing crowds the line-up, which was proudly reopened to the public, and included the beautiful Mulsanne, Flying thankfully a place for this piece of British Spur V8 and GT Speed to name a few, was history still remains in the hearts of the elegantly displayed. We can think of no Norfolk public. Inside the station, staff have better way to enter an event, especially created a museum, to commemorate with such brand enthusiasts present. the history of the station, and it truly is a wonderful place to visit.
As Sunday 19th April kicked off to a busy start we began to see the station filling up with over 200 excited faces, ready to embark upon a special journey through history, to spend the most fantastic of afternoons in this incredible landscape. Heading into the station guests were met by the enthusiastic station volunteer staff, who were keen to show off everything this 1930/40’s style station had to offer. It was here that our Bentley customers and some excited, regular visitors to the railway, began on their first steam experience. Pulling onto the platform the first steam engine of the day collected our guests to take them for a short but very authentic tour of the station, taking them back to experience the sights and smells of times gone by. As the steam billowed out above them it was hard not to marvel at the incredible power of these machines. Pulling to a stop at the second platform, our guests made their way off the engine and
took time at their leisure to have a delicious lunch. We had provided a selection of old fashioned lawn games nearby which proved a hit and a talented band entertained the crowds in the marquee. It was lovely to see all our guests chatting like old friends, though we never did quite get the hang of croquet! Thankfully, the temperamental British weather was kind to us and happy faces all around proved that a fantastic day was had by all. The event was held to raise some vital funds for the station’s current restoration project, Annie. Annie is the sister train to Victory, who our guests experienced upon their arrival, and she needs a lot of work in order to get her up and running again. You can see dedicated station staff member Chris working on her in the picture above. We must thank all of you who attended this day to make it the success it was. We couldn’t have done it without you.
There certainly seems to be something about stations and steam trains that demands an incredible level of dedication and, for many, stations and the engines themselves become not only an interest, but a hobby. Taking advantage of the Full Rail Experience that we offered on the day, of which all proceeds made a great difference to the station’s restoration fund, some very excited customers headed out to take a special, personal, ride on the footplate of Victory, taking the controls for themselves for 30 minutes of blissful freedom in the spring Norfolk air. One very enthusiastic gentleman stepped off the train afterwards having finally realised his steam dream, commenting to those around him that he had been longing to drive one of these incredible machines since he first saw them as a young boy.
As daylight began to fade and 4pm approached the event began to wind down to a close. The Bentley Cambridge, Vindis Group and station staff waved off those who had spent the day with us. We thank all of you who attended, and who took the time to pass on some lovely feedback on the event. The station has benefitted hugely from all of the money raised on the day, and, should you wish, you can keep up-to-date with the restoration of Annie on the Whitwell and Reepham station website. If you couldn’t make the event this time around, don’t worry, as we hold plenty more throughout the year. Keep an eye on the Vindis Group website and we look forward to seeing you all in the future!
Uncompromising. Unrestrained. Unleashed.
Although our staff are often found getting excited over the launch of a brand new model, releases like this come about rarely, and we’re finding it hard to put our excitement into words. Sitting proudly in our showrooms you may notice something special, sporty, and so excitingly powerful that it earned its very own RS badge. Since the first model launched in 1994 the range has grown to feature seven models, and with such racing pedigree as Audi has, you can be sure that you’re buying into something a little bit special. Audi announced its close arrival at the end of 2014 and its full release in June of this year, and we’re sure you’ll agree that this new model needs little introduction. It is, of course, the brand new Audi RS3 Sportback, the true epitome of Vorsprung durch Technik.
30
Its arrival has caused quite a stir throughout the automotive industry, from excited centres welcoming it to the showroom, to the reviewers at motoring magazines, eager to get their hands on a test car. Thankfully, the wait is over and we have been happily watching our customers take their first drives as official owners of this flagship of the A3 series. A reminder of Audi’s rallying history the new RS3 Sportback has been equipped with a five cylinder, 2.5 litre TFSI engine beneath the bonnet. Capable of 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds the smooth S tronic gearbox allows for effortless access to the 362bhp at your fingertips. The car will offer de-limited speeds
of 174mph, should you feel the need to take it off road and onto the tracks. Of course, to tame all of the power that Audi have bestowed upon the RS3 Sportback, a set of performance brakes sit waiting behind its 19” alloy wheels, with high gloss black brake callipers. It’s an exciting feeling, and for every element of finesse that this car possesses, an even stronger element of fierceness fights its way through. The RS badging represents Audi’s RennSport range which translates into English as Racing Sport. It is perhaps the clearest way of explaining the sheer performance and style that it offers those behind its wheel. You may see staff at our Audi dealerships walking past the RS3 Sportback, unable to take their eyes off of its muscular exterior. It’s a real head turner. Heading to the rear of the vehicle the twin tailpipes are prepared for one of the most impressive sounds to come from anything in the Audi range. Renowned quattro four-wheel-drive technology comes as standard to provide superior grip on any road surface, meaning the British weather should do little to spoil your fun. Heading inside the vehicle, though comfort and practicality were clearly at the forefront of Audi design, small design touches such as the RS badge embossed instrument cluster will remind you what a premium vehicle you are in. Energy saving LED headlights are provided for clarity only beaten by daylight itself and if the weather turns a little cooler you can take advantage of the heated, nappa leather seats. The vehicle made an appearance at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, as one of 35 vehicles brought by the brand, including its exquisite supercar, the V10 R8. Quietly arriving before the crowds, and making its presence known up and down the iconic venue, the RS3 Sportback attracted large crowds at the stand and it’s easy to understand why this car is such a sight to behold. We can think of few other cars that offer such a pull to everyone who walks inside our showroom. It’s clear the Audi RS3 Sportback has won us over, and we are happy to see it leaving a permanent mark on all of those who have popped in for a test drive. We have watched many new vehicles leaving to go to their new homes and we are proud to have such Audi enthusiasts in our dealerships vicinities.
Have you heard about the Vindis Upgrade Scheme? “The power is in your hands.” At the Vindis Group we recognise the importance of making your lives easier throughout the ownership of your vehicle, and so we decided to improve the purchase experience. What better way to do this, we thought, than to offer our customers the freedom to change their vehicle when it suits them, in a way tailored to their own individual needs. If you purchased your vehicle from us on finance we will contact you at the optimum time for you to upgrade your vehicle. This means that although you may not be at the end of your contract, a new car may be a lot closer than you think. If you absolutely love your current vehicle, you can choose to stay in the same model, or perhaps you’d like to upgrade the size or specification of your vehicle. Of course, if you don’t wish to change when we give you a call that’s no problem at all. Simply carry on with your current plan as normal, the power is in your hands. To put it simply, the Vindis Upgrade is made for you; your needs, your preference, your way. If you have any questions about your current vehicle, or the Vindis Upgrade scheme, please visit your local Vindis centre and speak to one of our friendly employees.
31
The Vindis Group Volkswagen Bedford Volkswagen 01234 327932 Cambridge Volkswagen 01223 424472 Cookes of Fakenham 01328 864951 Huntingdon Volkswagen 01480 461019 Sawston Volkswagen 01223 833110 Commercial Vehicles Vindis Van Centre St. Ives 01223 653333 Vindis Van Centre Northampton 01604 210600 ŠKODA Vindis ŠKODA Bury St. Edmunds 01284 732160 Vindis ŠKODA Cambridge 01223 507507
Bentley Bentley Cambridge 01223 423515 Audi Bedford Audi 01234 320033 Cambridge Audi 01223 414181 Huntingdon Audi 01480 454545 Northampton Audi 01604 683555 Peterborough Audi 01733 384444 Vindis Group Fleet 01480 416900 Cambridge TPS Centre Bishop’s Stortford TPS Centre 01223 219100
The Vindis Group Driven Magazine. Issue 4, 2015 Vindis Group Head Office, 1 Washingley Road, Huntingdon PE29 6WP