Crown Honda Aquires Hendon Dealership

Multi award-winning Crown Honda has expanded its north London operation with the acquisition of a second retail site.

As well as its established base in Bushey Heath, Herts, it has taken control of the Honda showroom in Hendon. The site - located at The Hyde - has been trading for the past nine years as part of the Alan Day Group.

The move is the culmination of an amazing few months for the Crown Honda team. In July it scooped an unprecedented four honours at the 2008 Motor Trader awards, including the prestigious Franchised Dealership of the Year.

To top it all, Crown has just won the same title for 2009 from respected industry magazine Automotive Management (AM).

Crown Honda Director Tim Dibbs believes it's the right time to be growing, despite the recession. "It's a natural expansion for us. It's five years since we took on Crown and we have some really talented people here who are ready to take the next step. The acquisition of Hendon will allow them to do that. This is a long-term investment looking beyond the current situation."

Commenting on the deal, Bernard Bradley, General Manager, Cars at Honda (UK), said: "This is a great acquisition for Crown Honda and we wish everyone well going forward. The Crown team has a massive desire to succeed and buck the economic trend. This gives great confidence to our customers and the entire dealer network."

Every one of Alan Day's 38 Hendon employees has transferred to Crown and remains employed. Two additional sales staff have been taken on to cope with demand.

Tim Dibbs explained: "Business is booming at the moment with a mix of new and used cars. It seems like people put off buying a car at the back end of 2008 but now want to do it."

The transition for existing customers of the Hendon site - which will be called Crown Honda Hendon - will be seamless. However, they can expect an improved service. For example, Alan Day Honda previously had space for around 60 approved used cars on one forecourt. Now buyers will have access to twice that over two sites.

The benefits also apply to Bushey Heath customers. "Taking on Hendon has been a two-way process," added Tim Dibbs. "There are some good people at Hendon so there's also been some transfer of knowledge and ideas back to Bushey Heath, which will allow us to improve our service there."