History-steeped dealer group takes on Subaru franchise

One of the UK’s oldest motor businesses – dating back to 1888 - has taken on the Subaru franchise, believing the Japanese firm’s all-wheel drive range is ideal for its catchment area.

Subaru’s new appointment of John Grose is in Woodbridge, Suffolk, an affluent rural location. The Dealership covers a wide geographic area including Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk.

The John Grose Group is well known and respected in East Anglia, having 10 franchises, 11 locations and almost 500 staff with combined sales of more than £120 million.

Founder, Joseph Grose, set up a cycle business in 1888 and built one of the UK’s first ‘horseless carriages’ in 1898 using a German Benz engine. He also invented the first ‘none-skid’ pneumatic tyre.

John Grose is well known in Suffolk as a Ford Dealer Group, but started selling Rover cars in 1904. The fourth-generation business has invested heavily in its Subaru Woodbridge location where it employs 15 staff.

John Grose Group Chairman, Ian Twinley, says the Subaru business has got off to a good start – especially with the crossover Forester and Outback models - with several conquest sales to former Mercedes Benz owners.

He said: “Subarus are serious cars for serious people and provide an all-wheel drive niche for a range of users from professionals such as vets, people that follow outdoor pursuits and of course we can not forget the rally enthusiasts.

“With exciting new models in the pipeline such as the large Tribeca SUV, we have taken on the franchise at just the right time.”

Meanwhile, Subaru (UK) Limited National Franchise Development Manager, Terry Leach, said: “We enjoyed a record year for appointments in 2005 and are experiencing a similar high level of interest this year.

“Subaru currently has 84 dealers and is on track for 20 new signings by Christmas, all being of a very high calibre.”