In a remarkable milestone for both the Oxfordshire community and the Suzuki brand, Sportif Suzuki in Long Hanborough is proudly celebrating 45 years as a trusted Suzuki dealer. Since opening its doors in 1979, the dealership has remained a steadfast presence on Witney Road, delivering outstanding customer service and quality vehicles to generations of drivers.
Over the decades, the dealership has seen a number of transformations—operating under the names Hotson Suzuki, John Bowtell Suzuki, and ultimately Sportif Suzuki since August 2000. Despite changes in management, one thing has remained constant: a deep-rooted commitment to excellence.
At the helm of Sportif Suzuki today are Nick and Annie Allen, who have been instrumental in shaping the dealership’s continued success. Nick, who first joined the business in 2001 as Dealer Principal and General Manager, took the bold step of acquiring the dealership alongside his wife Annie in 2018. Under their leadership, the business has not only thrived, but reached new heights of recognition within Suzuki’s national network.
Earlier this year, their dedication was officially honoured when Sportif Suzuki was named ‘Dealer of the Year’ for their Region at the Suzuki National Dealer Conference. This prestigious accolade—awarded after a nationwide assessment based on key performance criteria such as vehicle sales and customer experience—further cemented the dealership’s reputation as a top-tier performer. In addition to the regional win, Sportif Suzuki was also celebrated for its longstanding loyalty to the Suzuki brand.
Reflecting on the dealership’s journey, Nick Allen, Managing Director, said:
*“We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved here and the legacy that has been created to date. We’d like to thank all our customers who have put their trust in us since 1979, our team of employees here at the dealership for their amazing hard work and commitment, and of course Suzuki GB themselves for their continued support.
Whilst the group has seen some changes in management over the past 45 years, our ethos has always remained the same—to provide outstanding customer service and experience to our customers here in Oxfordshire.”*
David Kateley, Director Automobile at Suzuki, echoed this sentiment, adding:
“We’re thrilled to be able to recognise the longstanding loyalty and efforts of the Sportif Suzuki team. This is an incredible milestone that has been reached in our 45-year partnership with the dealer, and we thank all who have played a part in this success over the years.”
As Sportif Suzuki celebrates this impressive anniversary, its legacy continues to be built on a foundation of trust, customer-first values, and unwavering support for the Suzuki brand. Here’s to the next chapter in this exceptional story.
