Harkess-Ord was appointed in the primary role of overseeing all aspects of the introduction of Volkswagen’s radically new European retail concept across a dealer network of over 300 sites. The three year program included:

• Complete design and engineering of every modular product element VW’s concept scheme ensuring cost effective implementation and service.
• Establishment and management of new 'alternative'supply chains.
• Delivery of guidelines and comprehensive build specifications.
• Complete responsibility for delivering the new brand concept across the network, ensuring complete brand compliance and quality assurance within a challenging commercial framework.

The success of the project relied on full dealer ‘buy-in’ to a substantial financial investment. Harkess-Ord was tasked with introducing and guiding each dealer through the entire delivery process. This included concept introduction and national dealership analysis, with appointed Architects creating a working brief for each new scheme and using a customised modeling tool developed specifically for this project.

Harkess-Ord managed the tendering and appointment of all UK Architects and contractors and was responsible for the production and delivery of a comprehensive ‘brand’ training program, including supporting manuals to ensure delivery of a consistent new experience.

Success was measured against the dealership reports of significant increase in customers, like for like new car sales and use of the servicing facilities following the conversion to the new concept.

Nine years on the concept is still performing successfully and remains the industry benchmark for automotive retail standards today.