Company Information
Harwoods is an independent, family run business in a UK scene dominated by large plcs. We are dedicated to the retailing of quality motor cars and associated services, taking care of customers from both a sales and aftersales perspective.
Our Chairman, Guy Harwood, is renowned for his hospitality and providing a warm welcome. He emanates an inviting, approachable personality coupled with a positive attitude, on which our whole organisation is based. There is an open and honest culture throughout Harwoods and a constant striving for customer satisfaction.
Harwoods is well represented throughout the south of England and all investments are directed into the region. We have strong links with the local community and are one of the largest employers in the area (employees total circa 500). The promotion of staff from within the business is enthusiastically encouraged.
It is of particular note that our Audi dealerships trade under geographical names, but very much belong to the Harwoods Group.
Harwoods believe that environmental issues rank in importance alongside other objectives and as such form part of our Company Policy. It is our aim to prevent environmental damage and preserve natural resources, both in and away from the workplace.
We also keenly assist at various local events, such as the Point to Point races at Parham. We actively support local charities and schools, which together with our involvement in numerous fund-raising activities, ensure we give something back to our community.
History
1931
Harwoods established by Wally Harwood, father of the present Chairman, Guy Harwood, and based at London Road, Pulborough.
1939 - 1945
Harwoods manufacture munitions at its Pulborough site, for the duration of World War II. The motor business continues to expand after 1945.
1965
The present Harwoods head office site at London Road is purchased and developed. It originally consisted of a bicycle repair shop and just three petrol pumps.
1979
The first of Harwoods' Land Rover franchises is awarded.
1981
Harwoods secure the Rolls Royce/Bentley franchise.
1984
Facilities at Pulborough are expanded to accommodate Jaguar/Daimler with Rolls Royce/Bentley.
1989
The Land Rover Centre at Pulborough is redeveloped to cater for the ever increasing range of models.
1992
Guy Harwood joins the garage business full time. The size and profile of the Group is increased as is the investment and management structure.
1994
The first of the recent acquisitions take place. The site at Brighton Road, Coulsdon is purchased for the expansion of Land Rover into Surrey.
Investment is made into providing additional Rover and later, MG, premises at Codmore Hill, Pulborough.
The Pulborough petrol station is rebranded to Esso with an upgraded forecourt shop resembling a modern convenience store.
1996
Jaguar relocates from Pulborough to a new state of the art facility at Terminus Road, Chichester.
1997
MG Rover moves to the former Poplar Garage site at Horsham Road, Five Oaks, as the franchise expands.
Harwoods establish a substantial Accident Repair Centre covering Croydon at Coulsdon North Industrial Estate (in 2005 this site was awarded Land Rover and VW Group approval, also covering Audi, Bentley, Seat and Skoda franchises.
1999
Express Factors, based at Terminus Road, Chichester, is appointed as a wholesale distributor of Rover parts, along with Five Oaks, which continue to provide MG Rover parts today.
2000
Harwoods purchase their first Audi venture at Eastern Road, Portsmouth from the AFN Group, branded Portsmouth Audi.
2002
Harwoods are awarded the Aston Martin franchise, to operate alongside Jaguar at Terminus Road, Chichester.
2004
The Testwood Motor Group, Southampton Audi Accident Repair Centre and MAN Truck business are purchased by Harwoods. Southampton Audi becomes their second Audi dealership, based at Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford.
2005
Augmentation continues with our Truck business, with the further MAN/ERF Truck franchise is purchased from KL Commercials, covering the west of the territory.
Harwoods acquire their third Land Rover dealership at the former Testers premises, Stanfords End, Edenbridge.
The Five Oaks site is re-franchised and developed into becoming Harwoods' third Audi business, covering the Horsham and Billingshurst areas.
Five Oaks Accident Repair Centre receive approvals from Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and the VW Group.
A Jaguar parts facility is launched at Pulborough and the Chichester site becomes a specialist repairer for Land Rover.
2006
The Truck centre site at Nutsey Lane, Totton undergoes redevelopment as the former Testwood and KL Commericals businesses are amalgamated.
Harwoods purchase Bentley Straight Eight New Forest, based at Bramshaw, Lyndhurst.
2007
Harwooods develop their Jaguar and Land Rover franchises into Hampshire by purchasing Webbers of Basingstoke, which also houses the Isuzu and Subaru marques.
