Car City UK, a North Yorkshire prestige used car dealership, has proudly celebrated its third anniversary in Catterick Garrison by unveiling the successful completion of phase one of its ambitious refurbishment plans.
The significant overhaul, designed to elevate the customer experience and accommodate an expanding inventory of high-end vehicles, has been expertly delivered with the crucial support of Middlesbrough-based commercial refurbishment specialists, Wells CRS, further strengthening regional business ties that stretch back to Car City’s Darlington roots.
Owned by Greek-born Mario Chalilopoulos, who lives in Middlesbrough, Car City UK, located on Easton Way in Colburn, Catterick, has rapidly become a powerhouse in the used car market in the region – highlighted by recording its biggest sales yet in July.
Mario said: “I am very proud of what has been achieved. I moved over to Greece in 1997 and I would never have imagined I would have achieved what we have done. To have this to share with my family is incredible.
“All of this would not have been achieved without my staff, holding the fort together. We have 23 members of staff here and Jamie Jenkinson, sales manager, and Simon Dool, business manager, have been hugely important to the growth and development of Car City. We have had our record month too.”
Mario is also the co-owner of CMC-Autos, a used car garage in Darlington, alongside his brother Christos, a site where Car City UK originally began its journey.
Specialising in SUV sports cars and a diverse range of other prestigious vehicles, Car City UK is renowned for servicing and preparing its cars to an exceptionally high standard.
The business, which started in 2018 with around 20 smaller cars valued between £3,000 and £10,000, has experienced consistent year-on-year growth.
This expansion led to a strategic shift in its stocking profile and ultimately resulted in a move from its original McMullen Road site in Darlington.
The current Catterick Garrison location, a sprawling site over an acre, was purchased in 2022, and the recent three-year milestone has been marked by this significant investment in its infrastructure.
Mario said: “It was important to do all this refurbishment work because we are trying to get more and more highly prestigious cars on the forecourt.
“In order to attract customers, the location has to match what we are selling. This used to be just a unit and now you arrive it is a nice place to be in, with central heating, nice lighting and we aim to deliver an outstanding motoring experience.”
The newly completed first phase of refurbishment has dramatically transformed the premises.
A brand-new second floor now houses a modern kitchen, three dedicated offices and a spacious meeting room, providing enhanced operational capabilities.
On the ground floor, a state-of-the-art photo area has been installed, complete with a false ceiling and advanced lighting, complemented by new mirrored windows.
The partnership with Wells CRS was pivotal to aspects of the project’s success.
Mario said: “We have had a fantastic experience with Wells, incredible, they have done the work to a very high standard and delivered on everything that was promised.”
And David Murphy, co-owner of Wells CRS, said: “Wells CRS have been instrumental in the refurbishment, which has included improving the business’ net zero charge.
“Works from Wells have included an upgraded lighting system, moving to LEDs which in turn shows the quality of the cars and improves the ambience in the showroom alongside the new black ceiling we have installed, which is a new technical ceiling grid to incorporate into the new first floor.
“Before Car City UK had halogen lights and now the new lighting system will reduce costs and help the business go greener.
“We are two local businesses helping each other and working together. This is what it is all about and we are pleased to help Mario and Car City UK make the necessary changes to help them progress and expand at the rate they are.”
Looking ahead, phase two of the refurbishment will see the creation of a new building on site, featuring six ramps and an MOT bay, designed to cater for Car City UK’s growing retail customer base.
And Mario added: “We would like to invite everyone down in the month of August to come and have a coffee with us, have a look round, make new connections. You might not be looking for a new car right now but it is nice to get to know you ahead of that.”
*Check out www.carcityuk.co.uk or call 01748 830011 to learn more about Car City UK or for further information about Wells CRS check out wellscrs.com