Berkhamsted – January 2014 marks the start of Roy Chapman Ltd’s 40-year anniversary of its motor trade business in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Despite undertaking numerous franchised operations over the years, the focus and commitment from Roy and staff alike remains high. This is demonstrated by the business’ logo, which features members of the original team and the company mission statement – ‘Seldom Beaten for Value and Friendliness’ – which has remained the same since day one.
Now a Ford retail dealer, Mazda authorised repair centre, and an all makes vehicle service and MOT centre, Roy and wife Anne are still the main shareholders and although not on site on a day-to-day basis, still very much involved in the running of the overall operation. Their son Jeremy runs the service operation and daughter Justine looks after sales and finance.
Roy and Anne Chapman opened the doors to a Peugeot dealership in 1974 and went on to become one of the most successful Peugeot dealers in the country from the late seventies until the Peugeot business was sold in 1994. Outgrowing its site in Berkhamsted after Peugeot merged with Talbot, the business relocated to Ashley Green, near Chesham.
An Austin Rover franchise was then operated from Berkhamsted, along with a new site in Harpenden, and Roy Chapman Ltd twice finished in the top ten for sales achievement in the UK. The Berkhamsted site saw the introduction of Citroen and, in 1994, the decision was made to concentrate its efforts wholly on one franchise therefore the premises at Ashley Green was leased out. The Citroen marque was an enormous success and coming into the new century the sales team celebrated their sales success by regularly outselling any other franchise in the area.
Citroen gave way to Mazda in 2003 and then Ford in 2009 to present day. The company continues to enjoy a high reputation within the community.
For further information, please contact either Jeremy or Justine Chapman on tel: 01442 871234 or send an email to: info@roychapman.com.