Ocean Automotive

The Ocean Automotive Group was established in 2000 when David Kelly purchased Poole Audi from the Page Motor Group. This initially shared a site with the local VW dealership, but the success of both meant that the two dealerships had to expand. The VW franchise moved to a site nearby, becoming Breeze Volkswagen and Poole Audi took on the rest of the existing site on Ringwood Road. In 2004 Poole Accident Repair was set-up to provide high-quality manufacturer approved repairs to Poole Audi customers and the general public. This VW-Group Approved Bodyshop also encompassed a preparation department for the Poole Audi dealership. 2004 also marked the start of a £2million re-development at the Poole Audi site, not only doubling floor-space and giving it a fresh new look, but also adding to the company's green credentials with an innovative heating system. Both sites have seen many improvements and land size increases over the years, but in 2008 a new phase took place. With sales growing every year, the group took over a local warehouse in which to store cars before they are delivered. This space was also utilised with a special SMART Repair facility, enabling the company to bring small scratch/chip repairs in house and therefore control the quality. The quality of the SMART Repairs were so high that Poole Audi began offering the service to customers. The success of this Smart Repair Facility convinced to the team to open the business to the general public. The company was branded as BUMP! Smart Repairs and the doors opened for the first time in 2009. BUMP! Has gone from strength to strength and now occupies the whole of the unit and more paint booths have been added. In 2011 the group took their preparation team out of Poole Accident Repair and into a dedicated Preparation site. This spacious unit combines mechanical preparation, valeting and car photography, with an additional storage compound. A 360 degree HD video and nearly 40 pictures are taken of every car courtesy of a state-of-the-art turntable installation and software solution. In November 2011, Ocean Automotive acquired two new sites from the Loders Group - Yeovil Audi and what would now become Yeovil Accident Repair. This purchase allows the group to expand into a new area and start to see certain economy of scale benefits. Most recently in 2012, after earning the Porsche Approved Status, Poole Accident Repair benefitted from a significant refurbishment. The shiny new workshop, handover bays and extra oven, bring the image of the bodyshop in line with the quality of workmanship.