FJ Chalke, a family owned business since 1929

Originally established by Frederick James Chalke in the village of Mere. A small town and civil parish in Wiltshire, Mere lies at the extreme southwestern tip of Salisbury Plain, close to the borders of Somerset and Dorset.

Since 1929, the family business has passed through the generations and is now managed by the grandson of the original FJ Chalke – James Chalke.

With showrooms throughout Somerset and 6 franchises, the company continues to grow and grow, with a new flagship Kia & Nissan showroom due for completion in August 2019, find out more here.

2019 is our 90th birthday year, to celebrate we have put together a brief timeline of the FJ Chalke journey plus we would like you to help us celebrate with the chance of winning a car, click here to enter.

Fred Chalke establishes FJ Chalke

1929

The journey begins with Austin Cars

1939

David Chalke (Fred's son) joins the company. Riley and Triumph cars are introduced

1950

James Chalke (David's son) joins the company

1978

Acquire and launch site in Wincanton

1985

Introduce Nissan to Wincanton site

1988

Acquire and launch site in Yeovil introducing Nissan franchise

1999

Acquire Gillingham Rover

2003

FJ Chalke Mere secures the Kia franchise

2004

Acquire Vale Motors including Fiat and Isuzu

2007

FJ Chalke Yeovil secures the Kia franchise

2009

Suzuki franchise introduced to Vale Motors

2010

One of only 24 retailers nationwide to sell the all electric Nissan Leaf

2011

FJ Chalke begin their journey to reduce their carbon footprint

2012

The FJ Chalke Group continue to evolve as an eco friendly dealer group

2013

Purchased land for new Dealership in Yeovil

2016

Work commences at the new flagship site at Yeovil. Estimated completion August 2019

2018