Westridge Garage in Ryde is no longer a Skoda dealership as it begins a new era focusing on the second-hand car market, leaving the Isle of Wight without the famous Czech marque – for now at least.
Until very recently, Westridge Garage was the sole retailer of Skodas on the Island. Before that FH Winter & Sons in Havenstreet was the Island’s main dealer, specialising in the much-loved brand since 1982.
The loss of Skoda is a big change for Westridge, which is no longer a new car dealership for any car brand. Instead, Mark Winkles and his team will be focusing on selling second-hand cars from their Brading Road site.
In previous years the business was a dealership for Ford, Mitsubishi and MG. The garage is still an approved service/repair centre for Mitsubishi, MG and Skoda, meaning customers can continue to have their cars repaired and serviced as normal.
Fans of Skoda should not fear though as it is understood another Island business will soon become a dealer for the European car company. Keep an eye on Island Echo for the latest news on this…
Mark Winkles, Director of Westridge Garage, says:
“We have re-branded ourselves as an Independent Family owned business specialising in Used and nearly New Used Car Sales. Our Used car sales volumes has always been significantly higher than our New Car sales and we have been gradually increasing the number of Used Cars we hold in stock.
“Our aim is to provide a better choice of used cars for sale with different models and we will be stocking a wider range of different brands to suit the Island market.
Article continues below this advertisement “In terms of our franchises we are happy to keep the Mitsubishi, MG and Skoda Aftersales Business. The new signage for all this will be completed by Friday. We will continue as an authorised repairer for all three franchises, which means customers can continue to bring their car to us for servicing , parts and warranty work.
“We will continue to offer finance packages with our used cars for sale. We are also actively buying privately owned cars from customers who may wish to sell.
“I am looking forward to this new era and I suspect we will be around for at least another 100 years having just completed our first century.
“There are no plans for us to move from this site which has served us well in terms of location and easy access”.
Island Echo understands there are other changes afoot within the motoring industry on the Isle of Wight too, with Vauxhall rumoured to be making a return.
Likely another building site for benefit breeding hutches soon
No doubt it will be Leslie’s somewhere on the Island
If not, they will have missed a trick. Must be more Skodas than RangeRovers…
Esplanade Garage will have it
Esplanade will be the new retailer
Another one gone as we lost the Subaru dealer in Newport this earlier year.
Skoda have moved to Esplande in Cowes.
“There are no plans for us to move from this site”… Interesting, not what the developers had in mind for the Penny Feathers development.
Already used the new Skoda dealer for warranty on a new Skoda. Thanks to Esplanade for a helpful and professional approach to service.
I will never go to Esplanade ever again after a bad experience a couple of years ago
When i had a Skoda i had servicing done at Westridge never found a fault
Sad,Late 80’s this was a thriving Austin Rover,Jaguar and Land rover dealership.
Well done! Great decision I’m sure. Masters of your own destiny. Good luck.
All car dealers cannot be trusted.
It’s good to purchase from a franchised dealer, should you experience a problem with
a dealershop, you can contact the vehicle manufacturer for help.
Personally I would only ever purchase a vehicle from a franchised dealer
for peace of mind.
Who can afford a Skoda.
I remember when they doubled their value
when they were filled with a tank of fuel.
Skoda will be at Esplanade aas they already do approved used Skodas and recently started retailing pre plated Skodas