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.

I'd recommend Beadles Skoda Southend to anyone because they gave a professional service

Mr Ian Taylor 10th August 2020 Beadles Skoda Southend
I'd definitely recommend Beadles Volkswagen Chelmsford because Jess who we dealt was very efficient and explained the process very clearly.

Mrs Karen Bain 10th August 2020 Beadles Volkswagen Chelmsford
The staff at MercedesBenz of Cambridge were good because they where interested in my requirements

Mr Geoffrey Roberts 10th August 2020 MercedesBenz of Cambridge
I'd recommend Beadles Skoda Southend because of friendly, helpful and not intrusive service.

Mr John Morris 10th August 2020 Beadles Skoda Southend
Mercedes of Peterborough were great because sales representative Mr Barker was exceptional and very polite , he explained everything very clear.I am happy with his mannerisms

Dr Syed Kazmi 10th August 2020 Mercedes of Peterborough
The experience at Stansted Audi was good because the level if customer service was excellent. Ian was very helpful in getting the car I wanted.

Miss B 10th August 2020 Stansted Audi
Beadles Volkswagen Bromley were really helpful and I'd recommend them because from start to finish we felt looked after other than other garages where we felt like a burden. We were served Matthew Dunsdon and he really made us feel at ease. This was mine and my wife's first time buying a car and he was lovely to deal with. Would highly recommend.

Read More Mr Ross Hampton 9th August 2020 Beadles Volkswagen Bromley
My experience at Audi Approved Colchester was cracking because they are always polite and helpful

Colonel Christopher Albert 9th August 2020 Audi Approved Colchester
Mercedes of Norwich were fantastic because I received quotes within a short period of time and the offers were/are very competitive.

Mr M 9th August 2020 Mercedes of Norwich
I'd recommend Chandlers BMW Worthing because the experience from start to finish was impeccable. Nigel was helpful and professional and offered all the assistance and support you could possibly need. I am extremely happy with my new car and without a doubt, I will definitely be returning to Chandlers BMW Worthing for my next car. I couldn’t recommend visiting Nigel enough. He is a total asset to the company.

Read More Miss Katie Sohatski 9th August 2020 Chandlers BMW Worthing
I'd endorse Chandlers BMW Brighton i was meet my Callum Denege he was very good at his job and know the car very well , my only problem with it is it doesn't have electric would in wing mirrors other than that I'm 100% pleased with my purchased and with Callum

Read More Mr Derek Jeeves 8th August 2020 Chandlers BMW Brighton
My experience at Stansted Audi was positive because the Sales Guy Will Douglas was helpful and very efficient. A smooth and easy process. Stress free. Thank you.

Miss Sophie Carter 8th August 2020 Stansted Audi
My experience at Barons BMW Cambridge was memorable because the sales person Robert Pinto was Personable, professional, helpful and did not push additional products to us that we didn’t want or need. We made it clear we didn’t want to be led into any additional sales and Robert respected this. He was a pleasure to deal with

Read More Mr Mark Posner 8th August 2020 Barons BMW Cambridge
I would not recommend Chandlers BMW Worthing because they guibbled over £100 on the deal !! It really spoilt my overall experience with Chandlers especially after part exchanging my vehicle at a lower than expected price.

Mr Ian Hutley 8th August 2020 Chandlers BMW Worthing