About The Willis Motor Company
Willis Motor Company was founded by Dennis Willis in October 1989, trading from premises on Whitton Avenue West in North Greenford. Dennis employed 3 staff in those days.
He signed up with Skoda Cars in May 1993 at the same time that Volkswagen started their UK distribution of this popular range of cars.
During those early years of just a one model range, the Skoda Favorit Hatchback and Estate, sales began to build as the exceptional value for money factor became more apparent.
In 1995 Skoda introduced a completely Volkswagen influenced model called the Skoda Felicia. This model was ground breaking for Skoda. It was modern, stylish and outstanding value for money.
By late 1998 Willis Motor Company had established itself as a major supplier of new & used Skoda cars in the south of England, constantly in the top 10 most successful Skoda retailers.
In September 1998 Skoda introduced another model to its range which to date has been Skoda’s most successful product, the fantastic Skoda Octavia range. This medium sized car at supermini prices was the start of a massive turn around in Skoda and its retailers fortunes. Most of its dealerships had by the turn of the century doubled its staff and its retail market share. By then Dennis realised that his present facilities would need to be upgraded and eventually a move to larger premises would be required.
During the following 6 years Skoda improved and added to its range of cars by the addition of the Skoda Fabia Hatchback and Estate then the long awaited 3rd model to the range, the Flag ship model aptly named ‘Superb’ This large family car was again priced so competitively that all of the other brands struggled to keep pace with Skoda’s vision of “exceptional value for money” cars.
In March 2006 Dennis and his staff moved into ‘Willis House’, a brand new building designed by Dennis. The new dealership is located in South Ruislip, Middlesex just off the very busy Victoria road. Willis Motor Company now boasts a 10 car showroom and 100 spaces for used Skoda cars. The workshop has increased in size to include 5 vehicle lifts and a MOT bay. By late 2006 Willis had grown its staff number to 14.
In early 2007 Dennis and his staff were notified by Skoda that due to the dealerships performance in the following categories, Customer Satisfaction, Parts and Car Sales and of course, staff qualifications after intensive training to Volkswagen Groups high standards the previous year, Dennis and his staff were awarded the highest accolade. ‘Skoda International Retailer of the Year 2006’
2007 started strongly for Willis Motor Company with what is going to be one of 5 new models due to be launched in as many years, The outstanding new Skoda Roomster a 5 seat MPV priced again as reasonably as its supermini competitors but with the benefit of a great deal more space for less money.
Used Skoda Car sales are one of Willis Motor Company’s strengths. By the end of 2007 they achieved such strong sales they were the largest purveyor of Used Skoda Cars from a single site in the UK. Over 600 used and nearly new Skoda Cars were sold.
2008 arrives along with the pressure of a world recession but that does not deter Skoda and their ambitions. The long awaited arrival of the all new ‘Skoda Superb’ with its ground breaking dual boot system, this car again has outstripped supply in the first few months of trading. Great news for Skoda and its retailers in such a poor economic climate.
As it’s now November 2008 the year is nearly at a close. Dennis has built a balanced team of people to look after all the needs of his clients. They are all looking forward to next year and the arrival of the 5th model to the range ‘Yeti’ a fun name for a seriously excellent value for money utility vehicle due out this time next year. Keep an eye out on this website for updates!