Foray tops 10 Ford dealerships after 10 years in business

Salisbury-based Foray Motor Group has ended 2010, its 10th year of existence, by acquiring its 10th Ford dealership.

As Ford moves into its UK centenary year during 2011, Foray will be integrating the former Reed of Trowbridge business into the Group and has already changed the trading name to Trowbridge Ford.

Foray managing director Chris Yoxon said he was introduced to Reed owner Tim Iredale by Ford and spent some time negotiating a mutually acceptable price for the business, in which Foray now intends to invest heavily with backing from RBS and Ford.

“There will be major refurbishment of the premises in Canal Road, Trowbridge, which is good news for the 25 existing staff,” said Mr. Yoxon.

“I’m pleased that we will be representing Ford in Wiltshire’s county town – we already hold the franchise in Wiltshire’s only city, Salisbury, where we started our business in 2000 with a management buyout of Edwards Ford and the neighbouring Andover Ford.

“On the same day, we also acquired Ford dealerships in Yeovil, Taunton, and Bridgwater and we had become the Ford franchise holder in Poole, Dorchester, and Chard before adding Shaftesbury at this time last year.

“We have an unrivalled presence in the western part of the M3 – M4 – M5 triangle, where we have concentrated on small to medium market towns as the core of our business.

“I strongly believe in organic growth focused on Ford, the biggest selling brand in the UK and one which remains extremely popular with private buyers, the heart of our business.

“But we do have a strong presence in the corporate and vans markets in our region and the first decision at Trowbridge was to appoint a van salesman to develop our presence.

“As far as Foray is concerned, there’s no better way to start the celebrations of Ford’s centenary than opening our 10th dealership.”