The UK’s electric car revolution is becoming a bloody affair. From initially resisting the new technology on cost grounds including writing off established investments in petrol and diesel engine technology and having to develop hybrid or pure electric powertrains, along with making tens of thousands of workers redundant, manufacturers have struggled to convince buyers into showrooms or on-line … [Read more...]
Dealer Update
Tradelines 1 February: Isuzu awards Welsh dealer
North Wales dealer Pentraeth Isuzu has won the importers UK award for its marketing and social media performance in 2022. It was one of 15 national award winners led by Roger Young of Saltash, Plymouth which collected dealer of the year, parts champion and regional winner. In Peterborough, the Land Rover Owner International Show ranks as the best-loved motor event in the UK, according to … [Read more...]
Gravells excel for Kia UK
Gravells of Bridgend has swept the board in the annual Kia UK dealer awards. The 2022 Kia Dealer Excellence Awards celebrate the best performing dealerships of the past year and each of the award winners were commended for their exceptional efforts over the past twelve months across sales, after sales and customer experience categories. For the second consecutive year, the overall ‘Dealer of … [Read more...]
Welsh family car dealership’ profits soar
West Wales family garage group Gravell’s saw its profits rise to almost £5m in 2021, accounts have shown. Documents in Companies House show its turnover rose by almost £20m to reach an impressive £96.3m compared to £76.5m in the previous year. Some £85.8m came from vehicle sales with parts and service sales adding £6.6m while a further £3.9m came from other sales such as finance … [Read more...]
40 years of Victoria Park Mazda in South Wales
In a year that saw the first Mazda vehicles roll off the Hofu Plant No.1 production line, Mazda welcomed Victoria Park Mazda to its UK dealer network. Now marking its 40th Anniversary, the Welsh dealership has received a commemorative plaque to celebrate the significant milestone. Established as a Mazda dealership since 1982, Victoria Park Mazda is one of Mazda’s longest-serving … [Read more...]
End of the road for Mitsubishi cars in UK
Mitsubishi cars will stop being sold in the UK and Europe. Importers Colt Cars, of Cirencester has written to over 100 UK franchise dealers saying the news was unexpected from Japan and meant no new generation models would be coming through the system but they can sell current models. Colt Cars is working to ensure as many retailers as possible are retained to support customers with parts and … [Read more...]
White Dove Suzuki opens in Cardiff
One of South Wales’ longest established motoring families has a new member. White Dove Motor Group, founded in 1961, has added the Suzuki franchise to its current portfolio of SEAT and Skoda brands. White Dove Suzuki has invested over £1,000,000 in their new four-acre premises at Hadfield Road - Bessemer Close, Cardiff, Leckwith, created ten jobs in their seven-car showroom, on their used cars’ … [Read more...]
Swansea dealer Panda takes MG Motor into fold
With an ex-football team chairman at the helm of MG Motor’s newest dealer, it’s fair to say they’re in safe hands and well versed in tackling the competition. In 1986, Robert Jones opened Panda Motors in Swansea after his stint as Chairman for Swansea City Football Club. Since then, the dealership has operated as a family-run business. Anthony Jones, Robert’s son, is now running the sales … [Read more...]
Volvo launch UK dealer sponsor programme
Volvo is planning to further invest in the brand and its network of dealers with the launch of its Sponsored Dealer Programme. While not a unique concept by the Swedish manufacturer, the Volvo Sponsored Dealer Programme is a first for Volvo in the UK and will play a pivotal part in meeting its target of 60,000 UK car sales by 2020. Volvo will give talented motor trade professionals with a … [Read more...]
EXCLUSIVE: Aston Martin overhauling presence in Wales
Luxury brand Aston Martin is overhauling its presence in South Wales as it gears up for its new multi-million-pound assembly plant at St Athan. By the end of this month, Stratstone Aston Martin Cardiff will close after 11 years and local customers will be able to use a drop and collect maintenance service for their cars to be carried out in Bristol from July. Later this year a futuristic … [Read more...]
