When it comes to modern car dealerships and the offer of a truly outstanding retail experience, Sinclair Jaguar Land Rover will be very much ahead of the curve when it opens a brand new purpose-built facility in Swansea next summer.
Work has begun on the new retail outlet on the Swansea Vale Business Park at Llansamlet, which will replace its existing site just two miles away at Valley Way on Swansea Enterprise Park and will be built to the manufacturer’s latest Arch Concept design.
For both sales and servicing, the new facilities will be much improved over the present location and will be state-of-the-art in every respect.
A spacious and contemporary showroom will showcase up to 12 of the latest models in style and will also house comfortable customer reception and seating areas that include a barista service. There will also be a personalisation suite in which customers will be able to view the various options available on their car and configure it to their own tastes plus two dedicated handover areas where they will receive a one-to-one introduction to their vehicle and its controls when it is ready to collect.
Behind the scenes, Sinclair Jaguar Land Rover will boast the very best aftersales facilities when it comes to servicing, maintenance and repairs including 18 workshop bays – two of which will be dedicated for MOTs. The Swansea operation will also be the first in the Sinclair Group – Wales' largest motor retailer – to feature a drive-in service reception where customers can drop off their car for a workshop appointment under cover and whilst being protected from the elements.
Outside, there will be an extensive Approved Used vehicle display with room for up to 90 cars. Parking should never be an issue with 380 spaces available and, with the advances already being made on the electric vehicle front which will see the first all-electric Land Rover arrive in 2024 and both brands fully electric by the end of the decade, there will be 24 spaces equipped with charging stations.
Working in partnership with design and build contractor, Jones Brothers, the Sinclair Group has ensured that the new dealership will be constructed with sustainable and environmental considerations in mind. It features a thermally-efficient shell and solar panels, whilst more than 3,000 shrubs and trees will be planted and new wetland habitats created within the site’s infrastructure.
Coinciding with the commencement of construction, the Sinclair Group has just acquired another Land Rover franchise, which added retailers in Aberystwyth and Ludlow to its portfolio.
“We now represent 10 brands in 24 locations and are committed to providing our customers with the very finest facilities befitting the prestigious marques we represent and an outstanding experience to match,” said Andy Sinclair, Managing Director of the Sinclair Group. “We’re proud to represent Jaguar Land Rover in Swansea and the prospect of operating from such a magnificent, new facility I believe will enhance our service offering and will provide magnificent surroundings for all whether coming to work or visiting us to buy a new car or bring an existing vehicle in for servicing.”
Overseeing the Swansea operation as Head of Franchise for Sinclair Jaguar Land Rover, Nicky Boyce was also full of anticipation. He said it was an exciting time for the business and customers as well as his colleagues had much to look forward to.
“Our customers have the prospect of a retail experience that will be second-to-none and one which will combine the very latest Jaguar Land Rover facilities and showroom concepts with the class-leading service that the Sinclair Group has taken great pride in delivering for over 75 years,” explained Nicky.
“The plans for our new Swansea premises look incredible and I am thrilled at the prospect of my colleagues and I travelling to work in such a state-of-the-art facility that offers the highest levels of modern luxury and proudly represents our brands of Jaguar Land Rover and the Sinclair Group,” he continued. “It is a fitting reward for a team that has worked relentlessly to drive a positive local reputation since we took over the business in 2018 and deliver a service that we believe is class-leading.”
Conveniently located just off Junction 45 of the M4 motorway, the all-new Sinclair Jaguar Land Rover sits on the edge of the business park on a plot to the east of the River Tawe. It is situated close to some former colliery workings which were filled 15 years ago by the Welsh Government in partnership with the land owners, Swansea City Council, in preparation for future development.
“I’m pleased that we have been able to play our part in assisting this long-standing business in Swansea with this project and wish them well for the future,” said Rob Stewart, Swansea City Council Leader. “The council has a strong record in supporting our business community in making Swansea a great city to live, work and thrive in.”
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea City Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, added: “Working in partnership with the Welsh Government to secure this site for Sinclair Group is important because it will retain a big company in Swansea and protect local jobs. It will also bring an empty area of land back into use, helping to potentially attract further investment in future to create even more jobs for local people.”