Wayne Griffiths appointed chief executive for Seat’s Cupra brand

Cupra has appointed Seat executive vice-president for sales and marketing Wayne Griffiths as its new chief executive. Griffiths (pictured), retains his position as Seat’s vice-president for sales and marketing, will guide the brand’s team working to bring its “identity of exclusivity, sophistication and performance to a unique audience of car lovers”, a statement said. Chaired by Seat president… Continue reading Wayne Griffiths appointed chief executive for Seat’s Cupra brand

Arnold Clark acquires Phoenix Car Company

Arnold Clark has completed the acquisition of Phoenix Car Company, with the transfer of assets and staff from the Paisley-based car retailer set to take place on January 31. The AM100’s fourth-placed retail group will grow with the addition of six retail sites in Paisley and one in Edinburgh from the group, with franchised partners… Continue reading Arnold Clark acquires Phoenix Car Company

Could Tesla profitability benefit from a franchised dealer network?

Tesla’s determination to dispense with a franchised car dealer network could be partly to blame for the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer’s 2019 cost-cutting drive, it has been claimed. California’s pioneering EV producer announced earlier this month that it would be implementing a 7% reduction in hourly and salaried staff while eliminating its sales referral program… Continue reading Could Tesla profitability benefit from a franchised dealer network?

Flear and Thompson sells Kia’s one millionth UK car

Flear and Thompson, a Kia dealer in Dunfermline, has sold Kia’s milestone one millionth car in the UK. Dr Fergus Duncan become the owner of a blue Sportage GT-Line model. The first car Kia sold in the UK was a Pride compact car back in 1991 and the Korean brand sold 1,786 vehicles in its… Continue reading Flear and Thompson sells Kia’s one millionth UK car

Car dealers improve November profitability by £10,000

Car retailers avoided a repeat of the record losses incurred during November 2017 with their trading during the penultimate month of 2018, but still posted an £8,500 average deficit. ASE’s latest monthly car retail profitability report said that the struggle to cope with the effects of a “cooling market” towards the end of 2017 had… Continue reading Car dealers improve November profitability by £10,000

Vertu Motors completes £7.5m Vans Direct acquisition

Vertu Motors has completed the acquisition of online commercial vehicles retailer Vans Direct for a total consideration of £7.5 million. The AM100 group announced the deal via the London Stock Exchange this morning, with chief executive Robert Forrester describing the business as being “synergistic and parallel to” its existing core motor retail business. Vertu said… Continue reading Vertu Motors completes £7.5m Vans Direct acquisition

Pentagon completes acquisition of three TrustFord dealerships

Pentagon Motor Group has completed the acquisition of TrustFord dealerships in Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn to join the Ford franchise for the first time. The newly-acquired sites – including the flagship Warrington Ford Store – have now been rebranded as Pentagon Ford and became fully-operational under their new ownership this week. Pentagon’s operations that… Continue reading Pentagon completes acquisition of three TrustFord dealerships

Hendy Group continues to grow with Seward Group acquisition

Hendy Group has followed up expansion in its South coast home territory with the acquisition of Hampshire-based Seward Group. Chief executive Paul Hendy said the purchase of the group, which has two dealership locations in Portsmouth and Havant, was a strategic move for the company and consolidates Hendy’s strong position in the area. Seward Group… Continue reading Hendy Group continues to grow with Seward Group acquisition

Sinclair Group acquires first Land Rover outlet

The Sinclair Group has strengthened its standing as Wales’ largest franchised retailer by adding another premium brand to its portfolio. It has bought Likes Land Rover at Hay-on-Wye from Walters Group, and is to rebrand it Sinclair Land Rover. All 35 staff employed at the site will be transfered into the Sinclair Group. Founded in 1945 and… Continue reading Sinclair Group acquires first Land Rover outlet

Centurian Automotive set for acquisition by The Barkby Group

Luxury used car dealer Centurian Automotive looks set to be acquired by listed boutique hospitality specialist, the Barkby Group plc. Gastropubs and luxury inns operator, The Barkby Group, has signed heads of terms for the acquisition of Kettering-headquartered Centurian Automotive. Centurian has a showroom facility on Grange Road, Islip, from which it retails a range… Continue reading Centurian Automotive set for acquisition by The Barkby Group