Volkswagen retailer Crowsons marks 70 years in business

Volkswagen retailer Crowsons has double reason to celebrate this year as not only is 2023 the 70th year of business, but the company’s van service has been trading for ten years.

Known as “Volkswagen Van Service (Spalding)”, the Pinchbeck-based aftersales facility is the only official Authorised Repairer for Volkswagen Vans between Peterborough and Lincoln to the north, and Norwich to Leicester from east to west of Spalding.

As part of the authorised Volkswagen Van Centre network, the site offers manufacturer servicing, MOT testing, repairs and maintenance as well as warranty work. They are an approved site for most of the major lease companies and offer services to all makes of commercial vehicles.

Crowsons was established in 1953 by Mr Raymond Crowson and his father Thomas, at Little London Service Station, now known as BP, serving fuel and motor parts to the people of Spalding. As the business grew, Ray moved to new premises on Commercial Road, taking on the Simca and Fiat franchises.

By the mid-1970s operations were transferred to Winsover Road where the much more prestigious Triumph/Rover brands were taken on. When the two makes hit an all-time low, Ray introduced Volkswagen and Audi in 1977 and at the same time, sons Paul and Ian joined the family firm.

Mark later joined in 1982 with Ray’s wife Monica busy working hard behind the scenes. During 1995 another move was on the cards as the Winsover Road premises was no longer able to host the ever-expanding Volkswagen range.

Wardentree Lane in Pinchbeck was to be Crowsons new home and enabled a larger showroom, used car forecourt and increased workshop capacity. The business still provides the personal level of customer service that it has excelled in since 1953.

The 10-bay service workshops are home to Volkswagen-trained technicians who also have many years of experience working on vehicles from other major manufacturers. All nearly new and approved used vehicle sales come with up to two years’ warranty, two years’ roadside assistance, two years’ MOT insurance cover and five days of free driveaway insurance.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary, Crowsons launched a brand-new look website at www.crowsons-spalding.co.uk in February and plan to run online competitions throughout the year to celebrate.