Hendy Group is celebrating an anniversary next week having represented Ford Motor Company in Britain for 115 years.
The business became the country’s first retailer for Ford in 1910 after Southampton-based Percy Hendy met up with Henry Ford who was in the UK to announce a new factory in Trafford Park, Manchester.
On 7 November 1910 at Southampton docks, Hendy and Ford penned the first agreement for the sale of Ford vehicles in Britain, initially from a shop in East Street, Southampton.
The British-produced Model T quickly became a best-seller and business boomed for the company.
During the Second World War, Hendy’s Vincent’s Walk and Chandler Ford’s premises were used to build Spitfire planes.
Today, the Hendy Group operates eight Ford dealerships across Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, and West Sussex.
Hendy represents 25 different manufacturers at over 60 locations and recently celebrated its 165th anniversary.
Lisa Brankin, chair and managing director at Ford of Britain and Ireland, said: “Hendy Group has been part of the Ford story in the UK from its beginning.
“From that very first agreement with Henry Ford in 1910 to today’s world of electric and connected vehicles, Hendy has been on that journey with us. We’re proud to celebrate this 115-year milestone together and look forward to continuing our journey into the future of mobility.”
Paul Hendy, chief executive at Hendy Group (pictured), said: “The Hendy family were trailblazers for Ford in Britain and it’s a privilege to have represented the brand for so long.
“Ford has always been a vital part of the Hendy Group’s history, and we are excited about supporting the business in a new era of electrified mobility.”
