The historic brand of Rowes Garages is set to disappear from Cornwall after the business was acquired by large dealership chain Vertu Motors.   

The brand, which has had a presence in the county since 1934, most notably constructing the Rowe Hillmaster vehicles in the 1950s and 1960s, before later becoming a seven-strong branch car dealership, has been bought by the chain – with the Dobwalls showroom left empty after the purchase.   

It brings to an end 90 years of trading under the Rowes name, with the family dealership winning multiple awards during its time as a main Honda dealership.   

A spokesperson said: “The outlets operated by Rowes represent the Honda franchise, and are located in Plymouth, Plymstock and Truro.

"The business also operates a Suzuki franchised outlet in Plymouth, which will continue to operate as a used car outlet and Suzuki authorised repairer on acquisition and will be re-franchised in due course.  

“The business will be rebranded to trade under the Vertu Motors and Bristol Street Motors retail brands immediately, increasing the group’s representation in the South West.  

“This latest acquisition follows on from the successful integration of Helston Garages in December 2022 and takes the number of dealerships operated by the group in the South West to 34.  

“Rowes has been trading for more than 90 years, growing to become one of the most respected Honda dealer groups in the UK.”