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The Beginning: 2006 – 2008
With a combined 90 years of Volvo franchise experience, Len Hallows, Richard Ingram, and Tony Petrie founded their first Volvo retailer in Hinckley (formerly Frank Taylor Ltd) in August 2006. This dealership quickly made its mark, earning the Most Improved Dealer award within a year. In September 2008, TMS Motor Group expanded by acquiring a second Volvo retailer in Coventry (formerly Tollbar). Under the leadership of Len Hallows as Managing Director, supported by Richard Ingram and Tony Petrie, the team brought extensive industry expertise, having worked in nearly every position within the Volvo franchise, from apprentice technician to Dealer Principal.
Growth and Awards: 2011 - 2014
Between 2011 and 2014, the Hinckley and Coventry retailers received four Area 4 Dealer of the Year awards for their exceptional performance with Volvo. In 2014, TMS Motor Group diversified by acquiring the Kia franchise for the Hinckley, Nuneaton, and Tamworth areas. TMS Kia initially operated from a temporary showroom at Trinity Marina in Hinckley before moving into a newly constructed, permanent dealership in 2015. This new site also became the home for TMS Volvo Hinckley.
Strengthening Family Ties: 2015 - 2016
In 2015, Len’s four sons—Ben, Tom, Dominic, and Oliver—who had worked in the company and helped with the setup from inception, joined the company's board of Directors, reinforcing the family-oriented ethos of TMS Motor Group. The following year, the business celebrated its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of growth, customer satisfaction, and community involvement.
Modernisation and Expansion: 2018 - 2020
In 2018, TMS Volvo Coventry underwent a major redevelopment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) space, built to the latest Volvo brand identity. Designed with sustainability in mind, the site was upgraded with installation of solar panels and equipped with multiple EV charging points, including two 200kW DC fast chargers, supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles. The dealership also focused on energy efficiency throughout, creating a space that reflects Volvo’s forward-thinking ethos while delivering a seamless, premium experience for our customers. The newly redeveloped Coventry retailer officially re-opened in October 2018.
In 2019, TMS Motor Group expanded further by acquiring the Volvo dealership on Almond Road, Leicester. This strategic move extended the group’s operations along the M69 corridor, enhancing its reach and solidifying its partnership with Volvo. In July 2020, TMS Motor Group acquired the Sandicliffe Kia Leicester dealership, complementing its existing Kia retailer in Hinckley and further strengthening its relationship with the Kia brand.
Embracing the Electric Future: 2021 - Present
Recognising the growing popularity of electric vehicles, TMS Motor Group has consistently provided top-tier service to all customers, especially those interested in electric models. In August 2021, TMS Volvo gained its Electric Vehicle Accreditation, followed by TMS Kia in August 2022. This accreditation, endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and Energy Saving Trust, acknowledges the group's expertise in the electric vehicle sector and commitment to industry standards, benefiting consumers and promoting a greener future.
A New Chapter: 2024 Onwards
2024 marked a major milestone for TMS Motor Group with the opening of our brand new, purpose-built retail facility on the northern side of Leicester. Officially launched in November, this state-of-the-art dealership now houses both our Volvo and Kia operations under one roof, replacing our previously space-restricted sites. Designed with both customer experience and long-term sustainability in mind, the site reflects a significant investment in the future of automotive retail.
Built to the latest Volvo and Kia corporate identities, the facility features a wide range of sustainable technologies and materials. This includes a large array of roof-mounted solar panels, 30 dedicated EV charging bays – including four high-performance 200kW DC fast chargers – and energy-efficient lighting and workshop equipment throughout. Internally, furniture and fittings have been sustainably sourced to reflect our commitment to responsible business practices, while creating a comfortable and contemporary environment for customers and colleagues alike.
Loughborough Kia Joins TMS Motor Group
In December 2024, we proudly welcomed Loughborough Kia into the TMS Motor Group family. This well-established site marked a seamless transition from one family-owned business to another, sharing the same values of integrity, quality, and personalised customer care. The dealership not only strengthened our presence in Leicestershire but also reinforced our strong partnership with Kia, joining our successful locations in Hinckley and Leicester.
Importantly, the Loughborough site came with an impressive sustainability foundation already in place. It features a large array of roof-mounted solar panels and on-site AC electric vehicle charging, aligning perfectly with TMS Motor Group’s own environmental goals and our commitment to supporting the future of electric mobility. We are excited to build on this foundation as we continue to invest in greener, more responsible motoring solutions across the group.
