This is the story of Curtis Cars who recently scooped a hat-trick of Gold Lion awards from Peugeot UK.
Established in 1982 by brothers, James and Hugh Tannahill, the business traded under Coleraine Cars at premises in the County Derry/Londonderry town. Having almost signed the paperwork to take on a FIAT franchise, a last minute change to Talbot/Peugeot has led to almost four decades of success.
In 1993, Newtownabbey Cars was established by the brothers to expand their catchment area to the Belfast area, and in 1999 Hugh stepped away from the automotive trade to focus on his farming, leaving James in charge.
Curtis Cars was born, and Jimmy as he is known to friends and those in the trade, hasn’t looked back since. Neither has his son, Richard, who is now a Director having been in the business from a young age.
Curtis Peugeot was then established in Ballymena, where it remains today as the sole Peugeot dealership under the Curtis banner. Focusing their full attention on this this central location allows the staff at Curtis Peugeot Ballymena to offer a 5-star experience across the business.
It is this ethos that has allowed Curtis Peugeot to become an award-winning business, with company Director, Richard Tannahill commenting, “Our customers and staff are to thank for these awards. It is a team effort where valeters, mechanics, the sales team and all the managers pull together to make the business a success.”
Alongside a brace of wins for two individual members of staff, Curtis Peugeot Ballymena was awarded best retailer in the UK, making them the top Peugeot retailer in Northern Ireland at this awards ceremony and allowing them to retain the Gold Lion for the third year in a row.
Posting on their Facebook page after the awards had been announced, Curtis Peugeot Ballymena said, “We didn’t just win one award, we took away all three!
“Sales Manager, Chris Morton, was the only Sales Manager in Northern Ireland to take home the Gold Lion Sales Manager award!” adding, “After Sales Manager, Michael Stephens, was the only After Sales Manager in Northern Ireland to come away with the Gold Lion award!
Concluding, “If you want the BEST service, BEST value and BEST experience there is only one Peugeot Dealership to offer all three. CURTIS PEUGEOT BALLYMENA! Officially Northern Ireland’s No.1 Peugeot Retailer.”
Words & Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
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