Lexus GB Launches New National Dealer Training Centre

Lexus GB and The Nottingham Trent University have opened a purpose-built National dealer training centre for Lexus franchises located on a 1.2-acre site at the University’s Clifton Campus in Nottingham. The Nottingham Training Centre will provide national training support for the Lexus dealer network, in management, operational and technical training.

The training centre includes seven classrooms, two showrooms, a fully fitted training workshop and body/paint shop as well as catering facilities and administrative offices. At its peak, the facility will provide training for over 10,000 delegates a year.

“This strategic alliance with a major university and business school is an exciting and challenging development for Lexus and its dealer network,” commented Sarah Fisher, Lexus GB’s Human Resources Director. “This purpose built unit, with such a wide range of facilities under one roof is unique within Europe. The location geographically is ideal, close to the M1, to an international airport and, of course, near the Toyota manufacturing plant at Burnaston.”

Professor Ray Cowell, Vice Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University commented: “The opening of the Lexus National Training Centre shows our commitment to the developing role of the university in true partnership with a global company. We have a well-regarded Business School, including a Centre for Automotive Industries Management. I am sure this new alliance will set the benchmark for others to follow.

“This is a further step forward for The Nottingham Trent University – and justifies our claim as an Entrepreneurial University.” Professor Cowell added.

“We anticipate developing both formal qualifications and professional development programmes with the Business School, and would expect to build relationships with other parts of the university,” said Geoff Davies, Dealer Training and Development Manager at Lexus GB. “This shows our total commitment to developing knowledge and skills; quality training is fundamental to our future success.”

This state of the art facility will also be Lexus’ national centre for body and paint training as well as providing a proportion of Toyota dealer training for the United Kingdom, complementing the facilities provided by Toyota’s main training centre near Gatwick Airport.

The £3 million Nottingham Training Centre will be managed by Toyota (GB) PLC as an integral part of the business, with a broad range of services provided by the university. The initial agreement is for 10 years.

ENDS

Note to Editors: The official opening of the Nottingham Training Centre will take place in November – details to be confirmed.