Peter Cooper Motor Group is celebrating 45 years in business.
The company says its period of operation has seen it grow from a single Volkswagen dealership in Hedge End, Hampshire, to being one of the leading automotive groups in the south of England.
Alongside Volkswagen, for which it now has four dealerships, the group now also represents the Kia, Kia PBV, Jeep, Jaecoo, Omoda and Xpeng brands. It also operates Prestige Cars showrooms in West End, Southampton and Horsham, and service centres and a leasing company covering all makes and models.
Ensure you always get AM insight. Make us a preferred source of news on Google.
The group has also expanded beyond motor retail with an electrical services business, My Trusted Electrical.
‘Big milestone’ celebrated
Darren Cooper, managing director at Peter Cooper Motor Group, said: “Reaching 45 years is a big milestone for everyone connected with the company, and it is a moment for us to reflect on how far we have come.
“When my father started the business in Hedge End, we could never have imagined that 45 years later we would represent so many leading automotive brands and operate across multiple locations.”
Cooper explained that support from VW had been crucial to the company.
He said: “Volkswagen has been a hugely important part of our story. The relationship we have built over decades has been founded on trust, and that same trust has been shared by generations of customers who have chosen to come back to us throughout their motoring lives.
“That loyalty means an enormous amount to us. We know customers have a choice, so when someone buys their first car from us and then returns years later with their family to buy their next one, that is something we never take for granted.”
Role of staff praised
The group says long-serving employees are an important part of the business, with many having worked there for 25 years or more. It also supports the community with donations to charities, community organisations and grassroots initiatives via the Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation.
Cooper said: “Our staff are equally important. We have colleagues who have been with us for more than 40 years, along with numerous colleagues with 25 years of service and their knowledge, experience and commitment have helped shape the business we are today.
“While 45 years gives us an opportunity to look back, we are also very much looking forward. The automotive industry is changing rapidly, and we are excited about the opportunities that electric vehicles, new technology and new brands will bring.
Related reading: Peter Cooper launches Kia PBV vans at Hedge End
“Most importantly, we want to continue doing what we have always done – providing a wide range vehicles, great service and building relationships with our customers and communities that last for generations.”