Hendy launches new investment programme in south west

Expansion is on the cards for automotive group Hendy as the company confirms major investment plans in the south west following a record year.

Plans include expanded Car Store operations in Exeter, new facilities in Gatwick, three brand new dealerships in Eastleigh, and the launch of Hendy Performance, a brand new division in Hampshire.

The investment news comes just 12 months after Hendy acquired the Lifestyle Group, a move chief executive Paul Hendy said had been an excellent one for the company.

“The last 12 months have been transformational for the group and we are now reaping the rewards of a customer and staff focused company which is committed to further growth in the future,” said Paul.

“Integrating the Lifestyle business into Hendy has been exciting and everything has gone to plan.

“We have amazing teams of people working across the business and have seen record results in all areas of the company from new and used car sales, aftersales, commercial vehicle operations and our power product and marine divisions.”

Paul said the synergy between the two companies had contributed to the excellent results; with the investment programme part of the firm’s long-term expansion plans.

“The engagement of staff and customers cannot be underestimated and we see the next 12 months as another exciting chapter in the Hendy story.”

In Devon, a newly enlarged Hendy Car Store has just been completed, offering more space for cars. The new showroom and new website have already contributed to a record month for the used car operation. The Honda dealership in the city has also been refurbished as part of an ongoing programme of works to continually improve existing facilities.

In Hampshire, plans include the launch of Hendy Performance, updated Kia and Honda dealerships in Portsmouth and the launch of a new FordStore in the city. It is also set to start work on three new dealerships in Eastleigh and create Europe’s largest FordStore.

Investment plans in Sussex include new facilities for Ford and Mazda in Crawley, together with the arrival of Suzuki to further widen Hendy’s offering in the county. In Brighton, the group has also become the authorised repairer for Mazda in the region, extending its representation of the manufacturer to six sites, including an upgraded showroom at the existing Mazda site in Eastbourne.