Brief History of the Business
Underwoods Motor Group is the largest privately owned company in North Essex with over 25 years experience of retailing new and used cars.
Our dealership equipment and systems are the most modern available and we are constantly investing in the latest technology to give our customers the best experience of the brands of cars we represent.
In 1982 Underwoods began trading in the village location of Church Road Tiptree. This site enjoyed considerable success selling and servicing Vauxhall Cars and quickly became associated with quality, reliability and value for money. In 2005 they were appointed the Ford Franchise for the local area offering their customers these two popular makes.
In 1995 Underwoods expanded with the purchase of a Ford Dealership on Mersea Island. After extensive alterations to the dealership this site was granted in addition, authorised repairer status for Vauxhall. They are proud to be able to offer both these services and represent themselves as Mersea's local garage.
In 1998, Underwoods arrived in Colchester with its biggest acquisition to date, the purchase of the former Cowies Vauxhall dealership on Ipswich road. This prime location needed substantial investment for it to meet the exacting standards of the other sites. The two-year refurbishment programme transformed the outdated exterior and interior of the building into a Dealership to be proud of.
Gerry Wiggins, Managing Director was quick to develop opportunities presented by the motor trade and is both passionate and dedicated to expanding the business and securing the long-term future of the company.
In 2001, Underwoods continued to grow with the acquisition of the Vauxhall site on Old Road Clacton. Underwoods are proud to have won many awards and accreditations for their high level of service and it was their focus to establish these standards at this site. Their success and continued commitment at this Vauxhall Dealership enable them to acquire the Renault franchise in 2003 for the local area offering their customers these two popular makes.
In 2004, the purchase of Lancaster House adjacent to the Vauxhall site on Ipswich Road, Colchester took place. This again was a huge redevelopment project and after extensive building works was transformed into a dual franchise for Mazda and Skoda.
2006 saw two further acquisitions. In January Underwoods acquired the Peugeot dealership on Wimpole Road, Colchester adding a new marque to their growing portfolio and in February, the purchase of Vauxhall and Peugeot dealership on Cornard Road, Sudbury.
In April 2007, their Peugeot dealership on Wimpole Road relocated to Lancaster House, Severalls Lane Colchester. This was a new facility offering their customers improved services and better surroundings. To follow this the Commercial Vehicle and Business Centre on Severalls Lane Colchester officially opened in May. This Centre specialises in assisting local businesses with Commercial Vehicle and Company Car enquiries as well as vehicle repairs.
In January 2008, they relocated the Mazda Sales showroom from Severalls Lane to share the Vauxhall dealership on Scotts Corner.
In 2009, Underwoods proudly launched their new Website which gives all customers 24hr access to search for new and used vehicles, be able to book Service/ Mot/ Repairs online and much more.
In 2010 they aquired three new marques Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, they are now thrilled to be able to offer their customers these new makes. Last but not least their most recent project has been the Vauxhall Sudbury Dealership including the petrol forecourt and the opening of the new Spar Supermarket, which offers convenience and value for money. Sudbury Bodyshop are also very proud to have been selected as authorised approved repairers for the franchises Peugeot, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.
However, despite these developments especially in difficult times, Underwoods remains true to its original principals. We have built our reputation on providing courteous, consistent and honest customer service and we truly believe this is why our customers have stayed with us over the years.