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History
The past provides the glasses by which we view the future
Dews is one of the oldest names in motor retailing, with the company having being founded in 1910 by Ernest Dews, grandfather of current chairman and managing director David Hamer. At the time of inception there were only 13 cars registered in the Calderdale and Kirklees area.
During this time Dews has remained independent and family owned, and as a business we have worked hard to ensure that this family tradition is a positive factor in attracting, retaining and growing both our staff and our customers.
The company has been loyal to its local area, having grown its brand presence in the area to 5 brands across 4 sites, and building an enviable reputation with its customers for value, service and reliability.
80 Years with Vauxhall
Dews has been recognised for many years for its Vauxhall dealerships in Brighouse and Halifax. An official Vauxhall dealer since 1928, Dews is, we believe, the longest serving independent Vauxhall dealer in the UK and has seen the brand go through the highs and the lows. Launching some of the most iconic cars with Vauxhall, such as the Viva, the Nova and the Cavalier have ensured Dews has a special place in the history of Vauxhall, and the Vauxhall brand has a big history at the heart of the Dews Story.
The Dews Trophy
During the 70’s and 80’s the Dews name became synonymous with the world of Speedway. Through the development and hosting of the Dews Trophy in our hometown of Halifax, the Dews name spread not only across the UK, but around the world, as riders from all corners of the globe gravitated to the Shay, for what became one of the largest speedway events in the racing calendar.
Dews in the 21st Century
Time moves on, and so does the Dews Business. Since the year 2000 Dews has continued to go from strength to strength, as the business has been able to add to the Vauxhall brand.
In 2005 Dews was appointed as one of the very first ‘new breed’ Alfa Romeo dealers after being consumed by the history, passion and beauty of the Italian Sports cars and excited by the aspirations of the Alfa Romeo leadership. Again remaining loyal to our home towns a new showroom was developed at our Brighouse site from which we represent the Alfa Romeo brand across West and East Yorkshire.
Then in 2008 the Dews Group grew yet again, with the acquisition of the Peugeot and Ford franchises for the Calderdale market area. The acquisition of these two brands afforded Dews the opportunity to add two of the biggest names in motoring to the portfolio, whilst also offering our customer 3 great brands within ¼ of a mile, each underpinned by the truly unique Dews service.