Volkswagen of Kamloops – Driven by Service, Fuelled by Trust

A world of corporate-owned companies means fewer and fewer locally-owned businesses to choose from. They do exist, though, and one such gem is Volkswagen of Kamloops—a Canadian-made auto dealership boasting an unparalleled reputation for putting clients first.

Owner Terry Lowe is understandably proud of his business’s local roots. Being the last 100% locally owned dealership in Kamloops allows him to put a spotlight on customer relations—something corporate-run dealerships often struggle to do. This dedication to customer service shines through in everything they do, from parts and service to getting drivers behind the wheel.

First-Class Service, Volkswagen Style

Satisfying customers comes down to putting clients in top-quality vehicles with a warranty they can rely on, and the Volkswagen fleet makes that easy. The iconic brand’s decades-old reputation for exceptional German engineering is irrefutable. Bumping that client satisfaction up to the euphoric category takes something else, though—excellent customer service with a small-town feel.

Pairing drivers and vehicles is all about finding the right fit. According to Terry, it is sometimes a new vehicle and sometimes a used model. “The way we achieve that is by treating our clients the way we would like to be treated,” says Terry. The team at Volkswagen of Kamloops works hard to craft a no-pressure environment where customers can bring their curiosity to the sales lot without fear of aggressive sales styles. “There is no need to worry,” explains Terry, “When customers are browsing our inventory, nothing is hidden—what you see on the window sticker is the full price with no hidden fees.”

Putting Kamloops Locals in the Driver’s Seat, One VW at a Time

So, with dozens of vehicles to choose from, what models are Terry’s team most excited about? It turns out to be a difficult question to answer. Volkswagen doesn’t just make cars; they build drivers. Since the corporation’s early days, innovation has been a key focus of VW, a trait that remains true today. “I love the exciting new electric side of VW’s technology, but the company does not focus on any one thing,” Lowe shares. Conventional gas engines are lined up with electric plug-in models, such as the retro-cool ID. Buzz van, covering the full spectrum of drivers’ needs. Volkswagen is a brand with a cult-like following for a reason; every model has been meticulously engineered to meet the needs of the driver.

Individual preferences vary according to lifestyle, occupation, and the type of commute one has. Accordingly, each Volkswagen of Kamloops team member has a personal favourite, ranging from the quiet and refined Jetta to the rugged, trail-ready Atlas Cross Sport. As fanatical as the team is about the Volkswagen lineup, the customer-first approach means that they don’t limit themselves to just Volkswagens; their previously owned inventory encompasses all makes and models, provided they meet Volkswagen of Kamloops’ stringent inspection and certification standards.

It’s All About Putting the Community First

This year marks Lowe’s 40th anniversary working in auto dealerships, and he is quick to point out that he would not be where he is today if it were not for the people around him. The secret to success, Terry says, is drawing from a community of like-minded individuals, each united by a unique brand and a distinct way of thinking. In short, it is the shared passion for the vehicles they sell that unites the Volkswagen of Kamloops team. “We work together in everything we do,” Terry explains. “If a customer is waiting at the service counter, our parts guy will pop over to help—client satisfaction is very much a group effort. It is this customer-first mentality combined with a love of the VW brand that has made the dealership a Kamloops favourite.”

Recent recognitions for Volkswagen of Kamloops’ top-tier customer service include the prestigious “Best of Kamloops” award for new car sales, a testament to the legion of loyal customers. There is no shortage of national accolades, either, with Volkswagen Canada rating the Kamloops dealership among the top in the country. It’s easy to see that all this recognition of his dealership’s excellent customer service means a great deal to Terry. He is never one to toot his own horn, but carefully curating his dedicated team around a leading brand has clearly paid off.

Giving Back to the Thompson Valley

Shopping locally means that you can feel good about your purchase—not only are you supporting your community, but a portion of profits is also donated within the regional district to fund non-profit initiatives. This pay-it-forward approach is a core value at Volkswagen of Kamloops, and there is always a sponsorship happening. Fundraising ranges from hospice care to local animal shelters, and everything in between.

Lowe and his team consistently give back to the community in which they live. One of the biggest fundraisers that the dealership participates in is the comical and always entertaining VW Turtle River Race, an event that has raised over half a million dollars to date, with proceeds benefiting vital organizations, such as the Kamloops Brain Injury Association.

Other ways Volkswagen of Kamloops gives back include donations to the local theatre scene, the Thompson Rivers University Nursing Department, and the Kamloops SPCA, as well as sponsoring various community arts programs.

From our conversation, it is obvious that Terry loves being part of the Kamloops community as much as he loves introducing drivers to the iconic VW brand. “When I first started, every dealership was locally owned—fast forward to today, and this is the last one in the area. We are the little guy who focuses on the local community, and that is a great feeling .”

To learn more about the community-first approach at Volkswagen of Kamloops, or to explore their impressive lineup of vehicles, visit them on Facebook or Instagram. Keen to see the new inventory in person? Pop down to the showroom at 2483 East Trans Canada Hwy, Kamloops. Head down today to see why they are one of the Okanagan’s premier Volkswagen destinations!

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