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Our Heritage Week marked an incredible milestone!
We have marked an incredible 125-year journey since our founding in 1899. From our roots as a family-run business to becoming a trusted name in the automotive industry, we’re grateful for the generations of support that brought us here. Customers and suppliers were invited to witness the blend of history and innovation that has defined the company for over a century.
This significant anniversary highlights a journey that began in 1899 and evolved into a trusted name in the automotive industry. As one of the oldest family-run businesses in the UK, FG Barnes has continually adapted to the changing landscape of the automotive industry while maintaining its commitment to quality, value and exceptional customer service. This week long event served as an opportunity to reflect on the company’s rich history while showcasing its ongoing innovation and forward-looking vision.
Our Vauxhall showroom was transformed into a celebration of both past and present. Heritage cars were on display representing different eras of the company’s journey through the automotive world. Alongside these classic vehicles the new Vauxhall Grandland was displayed, symbolising the modern age of innovation, technology, and sustainable driving. In addition the Vauxhall showroom featured a collection of vintage photos from the company’s archives, celebrating the rich history of FG Barnes.
THE RICH HISTORY OF FG BARNES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Watch the video of the history of FG Barnes on YouTube
In 1899 Frederick George Barnes founded F.G. Barnes as a general repair and blacksmithing business during the era when horse-drawn carriages were still common. As roads began to accommodate more motor vehicles, it became clear that traditional dirt and cobblestone paths were unsuitable for the increasing speeds and weights of these vehicles.
With the rise of motor vehicles in the 1900's F.G. Barnes began to focus on automotive repairs and sales, aligning itself with the nascent automotive industry. Recognizing the growing need for improved road surfaces, F.G. Barnes operated a pioneering tar-spreading machine in the early 1900s, which allowed them to efficiently apply tar to roads, making surfaces smoother and more durable as motor vehicle traffic increased across Britain. Tar, a byproduct of coal, was being adopted in the UK as a solution for dust suppression and to create more durable road surfaces.
The business expanded its services in the 1920's to include car sales and established itself as a reputable dealer in the region. This was a critical time, as the company began to transition from carriage repair to full automotive service and sales.
FG Barnes from the 1930's onwards
In the 1930s, as car ownership became more common in Britain, F.G. Barnes seized the opportunity to expand its operations and meet the growing demand for personal vehicles. Recognizing the potential for growth, the company diversified beyond repair and maintenance services, establishing itself as an authorized dealer for several major automotive brands. By becoming an official distributor of well-known car manufacturers, F.G. Barnes not only increased its profile but also gained the trust of customers who sought reputable dealers for reliable, high-quality vehicles.
This shift to dealership status allowed F.G. Barnes to attract a larger customer base, offering both new and used cars from popular brands, complete with factory-backed support and warranties. The dealership's growing inventory enabled it to serve a wider range of buyers, from first-time car owners looking for affordable options to more affluent customers seeking the latest models. With these new partnerships, F.G. Barnes expanded its reputation from a local repair shop to a trusted name in automotive sales, becoming a central figure in the community’s automotive needs and solidifying its place in the South East’s burgeoning automotive market.
This strategic expansion in the 1930s marked the beginning of F.G. Barnes’ transformation into a multi-brand dealership and laid the foundation for decades of growth as it adapted to an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
Like many businesses in the UK, F.G. Barnes was affected by World War II. During this time, the company contributed to the war effort, likely by providing maintenance and repair services for military vehicles.
After the war, there was a boom in consumer car ownership, and F.G. Barnes capitalised on this by expanding its inventory and customer base.
As FG Barnes continued to expand its reach, the company forged partnerships with several major car manufacturers, solidifying its reputation as a trusted dealer and service provider for notable brands, including Vauxhall and Chevrolet. Becoming an official representative of these prominent brands enhanced F.G. Barnes’ credibility and drew in customers who sought the assurance of quality, factory-backed vehicles and maintenance services.
This period of growth not only expanded their customer base but also diversified the range of vehicles they could offer, from economical, everyday models to more upscale options, catering to a broad spectrum of buyers who increasingly sought specific brands and models that fitted different lifestyles and budgets.
This growth and brand diversification in the 1970s laid the groundwork for F.G. Barnes to thrive in the evolving automotive industry, making it well-prepared to adapt to future changes, including advances in automotive technology and shifts toward eco-friendly vehicles.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, recognizing the potential in the thriving South East of England, F.G. Barnes began to expand its network of dealerships beyond its original location in Guildford. This expansion saw the company establishing new locations across Surrey and into neighboring areas, allowing them to serve a broader customer base throughout the region. By strategically placing dealerships in key locations, F.G. Barnes increased its visibility and accessibility, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in the automotive industry. This expanded presence enabling the company to provide convenient access to high-quality vehicles and services across a wider geographic area, further strengthening its customer relationships and brand loyalty.
In the 1990's F.G. Barnes adapted to rapid advancements in automotive technology and changes in customer expectations by modernising its service offerings. The company continued to grow, acquiring additional franchises and increasing its footprint in the South East of England.
The company embraced digital transformation inthe early 2000's by integrating online services, which allowed customers to browse car options, book service appointments, and view vehicle details online.
FG Barnes in 2024 and beyond
Today, the business is still run by the Barnes family, maintaining its values and continuing to serve the local community. CEO Samantha Parkinson carries on the legacy, leading the company into a new era of electric and hybrid vehicles while staying rooted in its rich history.
F.G. Barnes today represents a range of global automotive brands like Vauxhall and the new franchise OMODA | JAECOO and GWM ORA and FG Barnes Used Cars. As well as being a Nissan Authorised Repairer, FG Barnes provides a comprehensive range of services including Motability, car servicing, MOT testing and financing packages.