The Holden Group
Trusted by you for nearly 100 years
About Holden Group
A trusted family business serving Norfolk & Suffolk since 1928
Learn more about Holden Group history, a family-owned automotive retailer with a proud heritage dating back to 1928. Built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and customer focus, we have grown into a respected multi-franchise group representing Volvo, Kia, Honda, Renault, Dacia, and Polestar.
With nearly a century of experience, we offer new and used vehicle sales, servicing, and repairs, all delivered with a personal touch that reflects our family values. From our early days as a single garage in Norwich to becoming East Anglia’s only Polestar retailer, we’ve continually evolved, embracing innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility while remaining true to our roots.
As a forward-thinking business, we continue to evolve, embracing new technologies and sustainable mobility solutions while staying true to our core values. Whether you’re searching for your next car or need expert servicing, Holden Group is here to support you every step of the way.
Holden Group History: A Family Legacy Since 1928
The Early Years
1928-1945
1928 – Reliance Garage (Norwich) founded. Ernest Holden joins as an apprentice.
1933 – Business awarded its first franchise, Dodge Trucks. Relocates to Haymarket.
1940 – Ernest appointed Manager, shaping the company’s strong customer-focused ethos.
1943 – Ernest acquires Reliance Garage Ltd.
Post War Growth
1946-1970
1946 – Moves to a new workshop on Heigham Street, Norwich (current location).
1960 – Tony Holden (Ernest’s son and now a fully trained mechanic), joins the business.
1969 – Volvo Cars joins the Holden brand.
1970 – The Holden Group Ltd is formed, gaining national recognition in the motor industry.
Expansion
1973 – 2001
1973 – Renault Trucks & Cars join the brand.
1984 – Ernest retires, and Tony takes over, expanding the business into a multi-franchise dealership.
1995 – Honda joins the Holden Group. Holden awarded ‘Investors in People’.
1995 – Isuzu, Subaru, Hyundai, Saab, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Jeep join the brand.
2001 – Volvo franchise leaves after 32 years, replaced by MG Rover.
2001 – Tim Holden joins as a sales executive, making Holden Group a 3rd-generation family
Modernisation & Recognition
2007-2015
2007 – Tim Holden appointed CEO, continuing the family legacy.
2010 – Holden Group wins ‘Most Improved Business’ at the Motor Trader Industry Awards.
2011 – Volvo returns to Holden Group after a 10-year absence.
2012 – Volvo wins ‘Best New Business’ at the Motor Trader Industry Awards.
2015 – Holden Group continues to modernise sites and digital presence
Growth & Acquisitions
2016-2021
2018 – Holden Group wins ‘Employer of the Year’ at the AM Awards.
2019 – Acquires Norfolk Motor Group, adding Kia, MG, and Isuzu.
2019 – Acquires Hylton Gott, expanding with a second Volvo and Isuzu dealership.
2021 – Isuzu departs from Holden Group.
Expansion into Suffolk
2023-2024
2023 – Acquires Cecil & Larter in Bury St Edmunds, expanding Volvo Selekt into Suffolk.
2024 – Construction begins on a new Holden Volvo King’s Lynn building for the relocation of Hylton Gott Volvo.
Innovation & Electrification
2025-Present
2025 – Opens a state-of-the-art showroom for Holden Volvo King’s Lynn, completing the Hylton Gott relocation and rebrand to Holden Volvo King’s Lynn.
2025 – Polestar joins the Holden Group, proudly making us the only authorised Polestar supplier in East Anglia.
- The launch of Polestar Space Norwich on Heigham Street marks a bold step into electric mobility, offering a cutting-edge retail experience and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable driving.
2025 – After relocation of Hylton Gott Volvo from Downham Market to the new building in King’s Lynn, the space became occupied by our new Renault & Dacia franchise in Downham Market becoming Holden Renault & Dacia King’s Lynn
Looking Ahead
Nearly a century on from our beginnings, Holden Group continues to combine family values with innovation. With trusted partnerships across Volvo, Kia, Renault, Honda, Dacia, and Polestar, we’re proud to help shape the future of motoring in Norfolk and Suffolk, delivering an honest, enjoyable, and forward-thinking experience for every customer.
The Holden Group history is one of steady growth, innovation, and family dedication. From a small Norwich garage in 1928 to a multi-brand automotive group serving Norfolk and Suffolk today.
