About Us

The Townshend family has been a trusted name within the Hawke’s Bay Motor Industry for over 55 years. Charlie Townshend (Rob’s Father) worked in and operated businesses within the industry for many years, until his sudden passing in 1987. In 1985 and at the age of 19, Rob Townshend, following in the footsteps of his father, starting his own journey into Motor Vehicle Sales when he joined the team at Townshend Motors. Over the next five years Rob showed himself to be a natural salesman and gained valuable knowledge of the motor industry.

In June 1990, three years after the passing of his father, Rob, at only 25 years old, established Bayswater Vehicles, a small Dealership on Carlyle Street in Napier. Despite facing scepticism due to his young age and lack of management experience at that level, Rob proved the cynics wrong. Over 30 years later, Bayswater Vehicles has grown from strength to strength. Alongside the growth of our Franchised Brands, Vehicle Parts and Servicing Departments, and the unwavering support of our valued customers (Bayswater Family), the original site has expanded and developed significantly.

Additionally, the Bayswater Vehicle Group now includes seven more Dealerships, three of which are adjacent to the original Carlyle Street location, with branches in Stortford Lodge, Heretaunga Street and Karamu Road North in Hastings, as well as Manawatu BMW in Palmerston North. Our business has expanded to encompass not only the original vehicle brands Bayswater carried, Hyundai and Subaru, but now include Isuzu, Suzuki, Nissan, BYD, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, and BMW.

Rob, along with co-Director Mel Chan, take great pride in the continued growth and success of the Bayswater Vehicle Group. They have assembled a team of highly talented and dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the ongoing success of the organisation. They also acknowledge Robs mother and former shareholder Dot Townshend, who contributed significantly to Bayswater’s success until her passing in July 2021. For the Bayswater Vehicle Group, the future is bright and truly exciting, with many adventures awaiting the group, we encourage you to keep an eye on our progress as Bayswater enters this exciting new phase. Here’s to the next 30 Years of incredible business,supporting local and providing exceptional customer experiences!