‘Excellent’ First Year for The Co-operative Motor Group Mazda

The Co-operative Motor Group Guiseley has received an award for its excellent customer service during its first year since relaunching as a Mazda dealership.

The former Rover garage at Bradford Road, Guiseley, re-launched with Mazda last April after a £70,000 refit to display some of the most desirable sports cars ever made.

But dealer principal Howard Strickland pledged the switch to a new name would not dent its outstanding reputation for customer service, built up over decades.

This week he was proved a man of his word when the dealership was presented with an ‘Excellent Customer Service’ award by West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service (WYTSS).

“It means so much to all of us here at The Co-operative Motor Group Mazda Guiseley” he said. “Despite being a relatively new Mazda team we are working really well together and I think this award illustrates that fact.

“We are honoured and gratified that our customers are so pleased with the service they’ve received - it makes all the hard work worthwhile.“

The award - which recognises companies which have had zero customer complaints over 12 months - is part of a Motor Trade Partnership programme set up in 2001 by WYTS in response to the high number of complaints received each year relating to the motor industry.

Last year 12 per cent of the 42,000 calls made by West Yorkshire residents to the Consumer Direct helpline concerned problems with vehicle sales, servicing, repair and parts.

The partnership programme provides help and advice to consumers and member businesses to help prevent and resolve disputes should they arise. It includes a formal complaints procedure, extending to the nomination of a complaints officer to act as arbitrator where necessary.

Businesses dealing in new or used cars, repairs and servicing, sales and parts, are able to join the Partnership on a voluntary basis, but firstly they have to undergo and pass an audit by Trading Standards.

In addition to showing a commitment to customer care, all members also have to ensure their employees abide by the terms and conditions of membership and are fully trained in fair trading and consumer law.
 
Helen Andrews of the WYTSS said: “The Motor Trade Partnership scheme is designed to promote best practice and give consumers greater confidence in choosing where to go for motor sales and services.

“The ‘Excellent Customer Service’ award recognises the hard work that The Co-operative Motor Group Mazda Guiseley staff have put into looking after their customers and underlines the dealership’s understanding that strong consumer satisfaction is paramount to business success.”

The Co-operative Motor Group Motor Group has 23 dealerships across Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Midlands. As part of United Co-operatives, the group has a strong tradition of putting people at the heart of its business by investing in good working conditions and excellent training.