Group 1 Automotive

Welcome to Group 1 Automotive

We are here to make your car buying experience as pleasurable as possible. Whether you are buying a new or used car or van, we aim to ensure that your purchasing and ownership journey is an enjoyable one.

Made up of multiple dealership groups, our dealerships offer prestige vehicles from performance manufacturers like Audi, BMW and Jaguar to lifestyle vehicles from the likes of Kia, SEAT and ŠKODA. We also offer a range of business vehicles to suit your requirements. Our dealerships operate across the East and the South East of England.

Each member of our team has been carefully selected to include enthusiasts and expert staff, all of whom are fully trained and well-versed in the entire range. We can help you get the perfect deal on the perfect vehicle. Competitive and flexible finance is offered on all of our vehicles to make spreading the cost of your purchase easier than ever.

For as long as you own your dream vehicle, you are part of the Group 1 Automotive family and will be supported with full aftersales care. We carry out manufacturer-approved servicing, repairs and maintenance from our service centres, with only genuine manufacturer parts used by our qualified technicians.

At Group 1 Automotive, you can benefit from an exceptional service no matter what you require. Customer service is our number one priority.

Group1 Automotive Timeline

Mar 2007

Group 1 Automotive is founded in the UK

In 2007 the UK operation of Group 1 Automotive was founded as we acquired our first BMW & MINI Dealerships based in Brighton, Hailsham & Worthing

Mar 2010

Acquisition of Farnborough & Hindhead BMW

Farnborough and Hindhead BMW & MINI become part of Group 1 Automotive, now representing both brands across Hampshire and Surrey.

May 2012

Essex Audi become part of Group 1 Automotive

Essex Audi is made up of six Audi dealerships covering Chelmsford, Chingford, Colchester, Harold Wood, Stansted, Southend and surrounding areas.

Feb 2013

Think Ford is founded

Originally part of Inchcape the Farnborough, Guildford, Wokingham and Bracknell Ford Centres become part of Group 1 Automotive in 2013 and the Think Ford name was born.

Dec 2014

Acquisition of Elms Group

In 2014, the Elms Bedford, Cambridge & Stansted BMW & MINI Centres become part of Group 1 Automotive, now representing both brands across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

Feb 2016

Spire Automotive join Group 1 Automotive

Spire Automotive become part of Group 1 Automotive in 2016 representing Audi, BMW, MINI, VW Commercial, SEAT and SKODA across Hertfordshire, London and Essex.

Jun 2017

Beadles Group is acquired

Beadles joins Group 1 Automotive and brings over 100 years of trading experiance, Beadles represents Jaguar, Landrover, VW, Kia, SKODA, Vauxhall and Toyata across Kent, Surrey, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Mar 2018

Group 1 Automotive add Mercedes-Benz & Smart

Originally part of the Robinsons Motor Group, the acquired centres are based in Norwich, Peterborough, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds and Kings Lynn, with Smart representation at Cambridge, Norwich and Peterborough.

97 %

of Group1 Automotive customers would recommend to their friends and family.

Chandlers BMW Hailsham were helpful because I found the perfect car and the conversation was accurate and extremely easy all the way to collection every detail was spot on car sat under the M sign looking amazing upon our arrival Great dealer great service smooth purchase couldn’t be happier

Read More Mr Sami Hassan 9th July 2020 Chandlers BMW Hailsham
The staff at Barons BMW Cambridge were good because they are both personable and knowledgeable. Jake is a credit to the team.

Mr Edward Newbury 9th July 2020 Barons BMW Cambridge
I had 2 problems with the car but the were dealt with within a reasonable period

Mr Alun Ball 9th July 2020 Barons BMW Borehamwood
My experience at Beadles Volkswagen Southend was memorable because Paul and Brad couldn’t have been more helpful if they tried. Nothing was a problem even when I changed my mind. Thank you

Miss Samantha Beasley 9th July 2020 Beadles Volkswagen Southend
Barons MINI Farnborough kept me informed once I had decided on a particular vehicle, allowed sufficient time for a test drive and above all Rashid was not at all pushy which we appreciated.

Mrs Cathy Bolsover 9th July 2020 Barons MINI Farnborough
I would recommend Think Ford Basingstoke as their service was of a excellent standard. The sales representative I was being dealt with (Alex Ward) was very professional and understanding of what I was looking for with the vehicle. I would recommend dealing with this branch and the team if you are looking for your next vehicle. Glad to see Think Ford don’t only just focus their sales on Fords. The Mercedes C200 is a cracker of a car.

Read More Mr Muhammed Uddin 9th July 2020 Think Ford Basingstoke
Beadles Land Rover Southend were helpful because they were very helpful, professional, friendly and easy to deal with.

Mr Justin Bater 9th July 2020 Beadles Land Rover Southend
My experience at Beadles Toyota Medway was positive because of friendly knowledgable service

Mrs Susan Ferguson 9th July 2020 Beadles Toyota Medway
I had a great experience at Think Ford Guildford because we saw the car we wanted, and Jordan explained everything to us, which was very nice

Mr Philip Tills 9th July 2020 Think Ford Guildford
My experience at MercedesBenz of Cambridge was memorable because buying my car from them was made so easy. Deal was done on the phone as I live 125 miles away. Drove up to see and collect car, everything was as it was described in advert. I dealt with Damian Brogden who seemed to make every effort and go the extra mile whilst showing me around the car. He set up phone and satnav to help me have an easy return journey as I was not familiar with the new controls.

Read More Mr John Wright 9th July 2020 MercedesBenz of Cambridge
I'd recommend Chandlers BMW Brighton to anyone because the people are lovely. I actually live in Portsmouth but Snows are terrible.

Mrs Sally Earnshaw 9th July 2020 Chandlers BMW Brighton
I was pleased with Barons BMW Cambridge and would recommend them because it was very easy and the branch was not too far away, and James Trilwood made it simple.

Mr Barry Cracknell 9th July 2020 Barons BMW Cambridge
MercedesBenz of Kings Lynn were helpful because they were professional, informative, and efficient

Mr Massimiliano Vito Grezio 9th July 2020 MercedesBenz of Kings Lynn
Chandlers MINI Worthing were really helpful and I'd recommend them because explanation, knowledge and understanding show. Very courteous and polite.

Ms M 9th July 2020 Chandlers MINI Worthing