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.

Beadles Volkswagen Maidstone staff were good because Lucie was very welcoming and helpful from start to finish. I also had a man helping me but do not remember his name.

Miss Lani Bradley 30th June 2020 Beadles Volkswagen Maidstone
I would recommend Chingford Audi to my mate who lives in London as they have a wide selection of Audis in the London area

Mr H 29th June 2020 Chingford Audi
My experience at Chelmsford Audi was positive because the staff were very professional, he listened to what we were looking for and answered all our questions. The gentlemen Mark was friendly and arranged for us to collect the car at our convenience as we are both health care workers.

Read More Mrs Kim V 29th June 2020 Chelmsford Audi
Hatfield SEAT were really helpful and I'd recommend them because Chris was amazing, haven’t bought a car for about ten years as had company car. Explained everything well, really approachable. Lovely experience

Mrs Susan Gardner 29th June 2020 Hatfield SEAT
We had a great experience at Beadles Skoda. Alex communicated well with us and was helpful throughout, explaining everything to us and ensuring we were happy. We would happily return and recommend Beadles Skoda.

Mrs Samantha Moynes 29th June 2020 Beadles Skoda Maidstone
My experience at Mercedes of Norwich was cracking because I was treated as a person, as a customer and someone who wanted to hear, in simple language, answers to my questions.

Mrs White 29th June 2020 Mercedes of Norwich
I'd recommend Chelmsford Audi to anyone because I had a good experience.

Mr Alan Walsh 29th June 2020 Chelmsford Audi
The staff at Chingford Audi we’re fine.

Mr Bernie Williams 29th June 2020 Chingford Audi
Sales lady was very knowledgeable. Everything organised very well.

Mrs Wendy Kenny 29th June 2020 MercedesBenz of Kings Lynn
The staff at Audi Approved Colchester were good because they are very helpful

Mr Munir Ferati 29th June 2020 Audi Approved Colchester
I'd endorse Chingford Audi because they tried to solve my enquiry

Mr Eric Fisher 29th June 2020 Chingford Audi
Unlike many different dealerships, the staff at SEAT Hatfield were very keen to sell cars , and worked hard to look after the customers

Mr H 29th June 2020 Hatfield SEAT
I had a great experience at Beadles Volkswagen Maidstone because the staff were helpful and friendly without being pushy.

Mrs D 29th June 2020 Beadles Volkswagen Maidstone
Chandlers MINI Brighton staff were good because they responded quickly to my initial interest, sending a video through and were then able to respond to further queries in a timely and friendly manner.

Mr David Short 29th June 2020 Chandlers MINI Brighton