A historic car dealership business has opened its first Maserati showroom in Poole after agreeing a partnership deal with the luxury brand of automotive manufacturer Stellantis Group.
Hendy Group, which represents 21 car brands including Land Rover and Ford across the south of England, has been appointed by Maserati to manage the sales and service work of the iconic marque.
The West Quay Road dealership will be the heart of the new operation, according to Hendy Group, which said the addition of the brand to the company's portfolio demonstrated its "strength and ambitions" for the future.
“Maserati is synonymous with unique design, innovation, performance and passion and we look forward to being part of the brand’s future in the UK,” said Paul Hendy, chief executive of Hendy Group.
“This is an extremely exciting time to be adding Maserati to the Hendy portfolio, as 2023 will see a huge influx of new models and the brand is heading towards a full electrified range by 2030.”
The Poole dealership will showcase the full Maserati range of cars, including the all-new Grecale SUV. Hendy Group is planning to invest in the showroom next year, it said, to bring it in line with the group's new retail store concept.
Maserati North Europe general manager Peter Charters added: “We’re delighted to be working with the Hendy team as our brand continues to grow in the UK. They’ve consistently shown to us how committed they are to driving success and delivering luxury levels of sales and service care, which is paramount to a luxury brand like ours. We’re delighted to be able to now serve current and prospective Maserati owners in the south and South West and look forward to a very successful partnership in the years ahead.”
Hendy Group was founded by Frederick Adolphus Hendy, who opened a bicycle shop in Whitchurch in 1859. At the turn of the century, the company made a tentative step towards selling motor vehicles, linking up with Benz and Bolle. The business became Britain’s first Ford dealer in 1910 – a relationship that’s spanned more than 100 years - and Hendy Group now employs 1,600 staff across eight counties in the south of England.
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