TMS Motor Group: A Legacy of Growth & Innovation

TMS Volvo Coventry 510 London Road, Coventry, CV3 4EU

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.

TMS History Images
TMS History Group
TMS History

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. This innovative design focused on visual transparency, allowing customers to observe all activities in the new workshops, blending physical and digital presentations to create an open, integrated environment. The revamped retailer 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.

Volvo Coventry
TMS Volvo Coventry
TMS Volvo Leicester Almond Road, Leicester, LE2 7LP
TMS Volvo, Almond Road, Leicester
TMS Kia Leicester 230 London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 1RH
TMS Kia, London Road, Leicester

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

TMS Motor Group is embarking on another exciting chapter with the construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art dealership on the northern side of Leicester. This purpose-built facility will become the new home for our existing Volvo and Kia dealerships in Leicester, which will relocate in November 2024. The current Leicester sites are hugely space-restricted, so this new development represents a significant investment, providing ample space and modern facilities to better serve our customers and continue our legacy of excellence.

Volvo Leicester launch night
TMS Volvo Leicester, Melton Road
TMS Kia Leicester 511 Melton Road, Leicester, LE4 7SJ
TMS Kia Leicester, Melton Road

Loughborough Kia Joins TMS Motor Group

In December 2024, Loughborough Kia became part of TMS Motor Group, further strengthening our presence in Leicestershire. This transition sees the dealership move from one family business to another, ensuring the same trusted values of quality, integrity, and personal service remain at its core. With successful Kia dealerships in Hinckley and Leicester, this acquisition reinforces our strong partnership with Kia, and we continue to provide exceptional service to our customers across the region.

TMS Kia Loughborough
TMS Kia Loughborough