Listers Group has opened the doors at its first Volvo franchise after being appointed as the Swedish brand’s new retailer in Worcester.

Taking over from previous Worcester franchisee Edwards Motors, which represents Kia, Hyundai and Mazda in the city, Listers’ new business will initially be situated in Much Cowarne, Hereford, ahead of the opening of a new permanent facility.

The move also represents recruitment opportunities as Listers will be employing additional members of staff within the business, including sales and aftersales executives, while Alex Dennis has been appointed as general manager.

Dennis brings with him nearly 12 years’ experience in the motor trade having previously worked for Honda, Lexus and Volkswagen all of which for the Listers Group.

He said: “Listers’ has a fantastic reputation in the local area so we’re thrilled to be able to add Volvo to our portfolio following the transformation of the brand’s design and stunning product line-up.

“The current Worcester dealership has a great team who have built outstanding levels of customer loyalty and satisfaction in the area and they all bring a huge passion for the Volvo brand with them, too.”

Set to open in the next few years, Listers’ new-look showroom will be built to meet the design specifications of Volvo Retail Experience (VRE), the premium manufacturer’s latest corporate makeover, with the location to be announced at a later date.

The redeveloped facility will include a brand-new workshop, which will incorporate while-you-wait-servicing and MOTs, where customers can see their vehicle in one of Listers’ state-of-the-art workshop bays though a unique internal viewing window.