In 1992 the Vauxhall business was aquired from Blights of Bideford by the already successful County Group forming a new company Parkside(barnstaple)ltd and new premises leased in Newport Road Barnstaple . The business has operated successfully building a loyal customer and experienced staff base for nearly 20 years on the same site.
In 2010 BP closed the petrol site and Kastners moved the Volvo service centre off the other end of the site and additional leases were obtained allowing huge expension on the existing site. Kia and Suzuki franchises were quickly added and the old Ambulance station was converted to house a new service reception for all 3 brands being better intregated with the expanding parts department located adjacent and the workshops behind.
Display of used cars has been increased and regularly surpasses 100 used cars on site making it one of the largest and best in North Devon .
As mentioned Parkside Vauxhall is part of the County Garage group which was founded in 1927 by Jim Squire and Arthur Carder. They had been friends since their school days and had different backgrounds. Jim was a director an agricultural merchant a business started by his father , whilst Ernie was an area representative for a flour milling company having connections with bakers and confectioners throughout North Devon.
The Two friends had been interested in cars since the early days of motoring . Jim had owned a 6hp single cylinder Briton in 1913 and Ernie had owned early cars and motorcycles. Premises were acquired in boutport street in 1927 and by 1928 staff had doubled to 12 with an average weekly wage bill of £22!.
In 1939 within a few months of war being declared , the business was involved in a goverment contract to recondition Crossley fire tenders for the RAF.
The history is long and varied , encompassing the growth and demise of iconic brands including MG, British Leyland including Austin Rover,Triumph cars Rover cars and Landrover.
One notable car supply including floating an early Landrover over to the island of Lundy in a canvas bag!
Since then the business has been relocated to purpose built premises on hollowtree road costing some £1.3 million at the time
The Two friends had been interested in cars since the early days of motoring . Jim had owned a 6hp single cylinder Briton in 1913 and Ernie had owned early cars and motorcycles.