Rivervale? No, not the Mercedes dealer!

Contrary to what some believe, Rivervale is not the Mercedes dealer for Brighton and hasn’t been since 2003! As the organisation embarks on a new chapter in its journey, we look back at the rich history and origin of the Brighton based motor organisation and share what’s in store moving ahead.

Rivervale’s roots start in 1955 as the original Endeavour Motor company (EMC), a Ford car garage on Preston Road, Brighton, formed by Tommy Sopwith. Fast forward to the early 1970s and, by this point, EMC was one of the biggest employers in Sussex. Over this time period, EMC had established itself as the most successful Ford dealership in the country, providing unheard of offerings at the time – such as overnight servicing! Appleyard, who are now part of the Inchcape group, purchased EMC in 1978, a year in which competition in the motor trade increased significantly and the Ford site saw a significant decline in business. With this challenge in mind, Tommy Sopwith acquired a Mercedes-Benz and Lancia dealership in Pangbourne, Reading. Rivervale was chosen as the name due to its location in the valley of the River Thames.

Rivervale is born

The Mercedes market was growing stronger and in 1983 Tommy Sopwith brought Rivervale to Brighton, utilising previous EMC properties he owned, and acquired an existing Mercedes-Benz and Datsun garage on Victoria Road, Portslade. In 1990 a new state of the art purpose-built Porsche dealership, Rivervale of Hove, opened on this Victoria Road site to support the Mercedes-Benz offering further. By 1993 Rivervale had left Pangbourne, Reading, and settled in Brighton. Then, in 2000, Mercedes-Benz announced a consolidation of all dealerships which would result in Rivervale Mercedes closing. With this news, Vince Pemberton, who had developed a reputation for his savvy fleet sales, took the decision to leave Rivervale Mercedes to pursue an opportunity in the leasing broker world with the family business Eagle Oak Vehicle Contracts. By 2003, Rivervale Mercedes ceased trading and later welcomed Mazda, Skoda and MG brands into the business and operated as a franchise dealer. In 2009 Rivervale acquired Eagle Oak Vehicle Contracts to run as a leasing brokerage under the Rivervale umbrella. After several years of success, it was agreed that a new state of the art home would be built for the new Rivervale that had formed. All ties as a franchise dealer to Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Mazda, MG and Skoda were no longer in situ and, through the broker channel, Rivervale was able to provide customers with any make or model of car, van or minibus.

The new Rivervale

By 2016 the build for Rivervale House was complete signalling a new chapter in the Rivervale journey. Rivervale added a Servicing and MOT department, followed by Minibus, Fleet and a MAXUS electric van franchise. Sadly, Tommy Sopwith passed away in May 2019, leaving the all-new Rivervale settling into its new shoes and making positive headlines throughout the motor trade. In 2022 a management buyout was announced which saw the appointment of a new board of directors – Neil Chapman as Chairman, Vince Pemberton as CEO, Simon Fuller as Commercial Director and Duncan Stocks as Leasing Sales Director.

A fresh new look

In October 2023 Rivervale refreshed its brand to reflect the improvements and versatility it now offered across the motor trade.

To support the new dynamics of the organisation, Rivervale took the decision to invest in reinvigorating its long-established brand and eliminate any confusion around previous periods as a franchise dealer. The goal was to create a fresh and modern brand that was inclusive and welcoming, and that accurately reflected the company’s new wide range of services.

Through extensive research, Rivervale unpacked a wide variety of target customers from households, sole-traders right through to large multi-national corporations. This diversity of customer groups was a key consideration in the development of the new brand identity.

Alongside a new logo, colour palette, typography is a backbone of simple but crucial values. The key mission is making motoring manageable for everyone.

Group Marketing Director Bud Johnston explains: “When I joined Rivervale over eight years ago, one of the biggest strengths in the brand was its name and solid reputation. Going into any kind of rebrand exercise you are always weary of losing those attributes that have taken many years to establish. We’re all proud and enthusiastic about what’s ahead – the new look and identity is inclusive, modern, and exciting, helping us enter a new chapter in the Rivervale journey.”

Expansion and acquisitions

In 2023 Rivervale acquired Castle Minibus, the leading Minibus provider in the UK, followed by OSV leasing, a successful leasing broker in Worthing.

The acquisitions allow Rivervale to offer its customers a wider range of vehicle leasing solutions and services, as well as access to new markets and segments. Rivervale will also be able to leverage the expertise and resources of both companies to further strengthen its brand and position itself as the UK’s most trusted vehicle provider across several different sectors.

Used vans and commercial vehicles

Rivervale saw a gap in the market as Brighton and Hove had no reliable and trusted van/commercial vehicle offering. In response, the company has adapted its Brighton dealership, offering a wide range of carefully selected used vans and pickup trucks.

The decision to focus on used LCV sales from the site was made after Rivervale conducted extensive market research. The research found that there was a high demand for used vans and pickup trucks from businesses and individuals in the Brighton and Hove area. However, the supply of high-quality used LCVs was limited. Through the MAXUS van franchise electric vans are now easily accessible and available. Rivervale MAXUS are housed at the HQ in Brighton and have hit the market running with a range of van sizes including the first ever electric pick-up truck.

Minibuses for schools, colleges, charities and trusts

Through partnering with schools, charities and organisations across the length and breadth of Britain, Rivervale’s minibus division has a proven track record of providing high-quality minibuses and exceptional customer service. In addition to supplying minibuses, Rivervale also offers maintenance and repair services, as well as regular mandatory safety checks. Rivervale is now excited to be offering electric minibuses, making it a sustainable choice for businesses and educational institutions.

Fleet

The Rivervale fleet department has gone from strength to strength securing contracts with the likes of Redbull, Anglo Beef and Acosta. Through the creation of dedicated software for vehicle management, Rivervale fleet is working on further offerings to help smaller organisations manage the day-to-day legal requirements of vehicle managers.

The new easy way to buy a used car

There has been significant change in the automotive market post covid, one of those areas significantly impacted has been the values of used cars. With such velocity in the space, Rivervale took the decision to change its offering to customers looking for a used car. Resident used car expert Jeff Nailard is now offering a used car finder service in which he leverages on his industry experience and access to auction houses to pinpoint the right vehicle.

Here’s how the new Rivervale service works:

1. The first step is to brief your requirements. Through Rivervale’s extensive network of dealers he will find the best cars to match your needs.

2. Once a selection of potential cars are found, Rivervale will do their homework to research the service history and background of each vehicle. They’ll also inspect the cars to make sure they’re in top condition. Only the best cars will be presented to you, so you can be confident that you’re getting a quality vehicle.

3. Then when you’ve chosen a car, Rivervale will take care of the rest. They’ll inspect the car again and pay for it on your behalf. They’ll also sort out any part exchange, financing, or warranty requirements.

4. While Rivervale is taking care of the paperwork, your new car will be meticulously prepared, serviced, and detailed at Rivervale. This means that when you pick up your new car, it will be in perfect condition.

5. The big day is finally here! You can pick up your new car at Rivervale or have it delivered to your door. Rivervale will make sure that every detail is covered and that you’re completely delighted with your new purchase.