Crayford & Abbs car dealership MD celebrates 30 years with Nissan

Crayford & Abbs car retail group managing director Kevin Abbs is set to prove he still enjoys life in the fast lane after 30 years with the Nissan brand.

Abbs is a joint founder of the Norfolk-based business which has several Nissan Global Awards to its name is set to celebrate three decades of selling the Japanese brand's vehicles with a drive in its Nissan GT-R high-performance flagship.

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Crayford & Abbs ensured NHS staff and key workers were able to get their cars serviced and maintained during lockdown – even arranging complimentary long-term vehicle loans where necessary.

Abbs said: “We have been very lucky, it has to be said. I’ve got a good team around me and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Nissan.

“With any manufacturer there will be highs and lows, but I feel as though I have Nissan running through me. I’m passionate about the brand.”

To mark his 30th year with the company, Abbs is treating himself to a drive in a Nissan GT-R, and said he is also looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a Nissan Ariya, the all-electric SUV being launched by the manufacturer next year.

Abbs set up Crayford & Abbs with his then business associate, Neil Crayford in 2004, and opened Mundesley Garage, with the Bodham site following in 2007.

In 2012, Crayford & Abbs was invited to become a full Nissan franchisee, opening a newly built showroom in Bodham in July of that year.

The Mundesley site continues to offer used cars for sale and carries out service and repair work on most makes and models.

Abbs began his career with Nissan, with a Norfolk car dealership that was a partner of the manufacturer for almost 20 years.

Abbs said: “Having worked for somebody else but then to enable myself to get the franchise was quite a big step. I have been supported by a wonderful team – there are 38 of us now.

“A customer-centric approach is at the forefront of everything we do, and we have a very loyal customer base which has enabled us to operate with a nice market share.

"Achieving success is all about customer loyalty. Without the right team, you can’t do anything.”