Author: Aimee Turner

Chris Wiseman has announced his departure from Bristol-based AM100 automobile retail group Wessex Garages, stepping down after 25 years with the business, including nearly six as managing director.In a June 6 LinkedIn message, Wiseman reflected on a profession spanning greater than 4 many years within the motor trade, calling time on a job that has seen him help steer Wessex through significant growth and transformation.“Today is my last day at Wessex Garages,” he wrote. “I can look back proudly on how far we’ve come and what we’ve achieved; however the time has come to say goodbye.” Chris Wiseman has announced…

Maserati is opening two latest showrooms in Glasgow and Manchester as a part of a brand new partnership with AM100 dealership group Arnold Clark. The luxurious Italian brand has previously had a presence in each cities – in Glasgow with Parks Motor Group and with HR Owen in Manchester and Stockport. Parks ceased operations for Maserati last summer in Glasgow while HR Owen Stockport has been replaced by Arnold Clark. The brand new Arnold Clark dealerships will offer each sales and aftersales services after they open later this month. Customers visiting the brand new showrooms will give you the option to explore the…

Suzuki has been forced to suspend vehicle production because of China’s rare earth export restrictions as Beijing’s tightens controls on critical materials.Production of the Swift small automotive – excluding the Swift Sport – was halted on May 26, in response to reports, with the corporate citing a shortage of components tied to the export curbs.The automotive maker has pushed back plans to restart output several times but now expects a partial restart at its Sagara plant in Japan on June 13, with full production to resume after June 16. In a press release, Suzuki said the “prospect of parts supply…

Lloyd Motor Group is introducing Škoda to its franchise portfolio with the acquisition of family-run Telford Škoda in Carlisle in a serious expansion of its franchise portfolio. Positioned on Chandler Way, Parkhouse in Carlisle, the dealership will proceed to serve customers across Cumbria and the Scottish Borders, offering the total range of Škoda vehicles, including the newest electric and hybrid models, together with servicing, maintenance, and parts. Sam Lloyd, managing director of Lloyd Motor Group, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Telford Škoda into the Lloyd Motor Group family and to partner with Škoda for the primary time. This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to…

Dealerships are warning of a looming recruitment and retention crisis following the federal government’s decision to scrap worker automobile ownership schemes (ECOS), a profit widely used across the motor retail sector. In keeping with recent research by Startline Motor Finance, 45% of dealers imagine the top of ECOS will directly harm their ability to draw and keep staff. The schemes, which permit dealership employees to drive recent cars at heavily discounted rates without triggering benefit-in-kind tax or National Insurance contributions, have been a key incentive for employees across the industry. The Treasury announced last 12 months that it will abolish…

The Actyon won’t sneak on to any scene. Big, daring and unashamedly different, the Actyon marks KGM’s first all-new SUV since its rebrand from SsangYong in January 2024, and it’s out to upstage the crowded C-segment SUV market. Sitting barely wider and longer than the KGM Torres, the Actyon delivers the type of road presence that gets noticed. And while its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine won’t appeal to zero-emissions evangelists, there’s a real-world honesty to this rugged family SUV that some customers will find refreshing. At £36,995, the Actyon sits in the identical pricing territory because the Kia Sportage, nevertheless it…

Labour is mulling a review or potentially abolishing the Expensive Automotive Complement (ECS) – the so-called “Tesla tax” – in a move that might significantly boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Introduced in 2017, the ECS imposes a further £425 annual charge on vehicles with an inventory price over £40,000, applicable for five years after the second 12 months of registration – adding £2,125 on top of the £195 standard Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), totalling £3,100 across the period. As of April 1, 2025, EVs – previously exempt – have been brought into scope for each VED and the ECS, drawing…

Dubai-based conglomerate AW Rostamani, the investment group behind AM100 dealership group Brayleys Cars, is ready to accumulate Johnsons Cars to create certainly one of the UK’s top ten automotive retailers.Together, the combined business will operate 79 franchise sales outlets nationwide, representing 21 automotive brands and employing nearly 2,000 staff.The deal which is predicted to finish by the tip of June through AW Rostamani’s Athenaeum International Holdings also includes the £936 million-turnover business’ TPS Centres, Fleet Services, and group support functions. Dubai-based conglomerate AW Rostamani, the investment group behind AM100 dealership group Brayleys Cars, is ready to accumulate Johnsons Cars to create certainly…

Cazoo’s high-octane rise, fuelled by sky-high valuations and relentless marketing, made it a household name almost overnight. But beneath the polished ads and stadium sponsorships, razor-thin margins, an unsustainable inventory model and a growing pile of losses ultimately led to its demise. By June last yr, the remnants of the business were snapped up by Motors, a more traditional online marketplace player trying to breathe latest life into the brand. AM caught up with Barry Judge, Motors chief executive, to debate the business’ strategy on the back of the acquisition. Motors has been a key player within the used automobile space for…

The National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) is urging sellers to maximise the residual value of their vehicles by taking full advantage of its used grading system to ensure maximum asset performance. “NAMA’s Used Vehicle Grading Scheme is allowing sellers the power to unlock additional value and achieve significantly higher outcomes at auction, through small, cost-effective improvements to vehicle condition” said Paul Hill, NAMA spokesperson. Hill said that by simply investing in cosmetic refurbishment to maneuver a vehicle’s grade from a 4 to a 2, sellers can achieve a big, measurable return on investment. Using an example of a vehicle…