AM ONLINE
Vertu Motors submits plans for new Macklin Motors Toyota dealership in Ayr
Vertu Motors looks poised to expand its car retail footprint in Scotland with the development of a new-build Macklin Motors Toyota dealership in Ayr.
The AM100 PLC took over the Japanese carmaker’s franchise territory in the West of Scotland from Arnold Clark 12 months ago and immediately announced plans to create four new retail sites to serve the region.
Arnold Clark had previously operated Toyota franchises in Aberdeen, Ayr, Paisley, Stirling and two in Glasgow, but chief executive Eddie Hawthorne told AM that it was orchestrating a re-franchising exercise which would also bring about its exit from the Ford network.
Now Vertu has laid plans before South Ayrshire Council for a new Toyota site in Ayr, off Old Farm Road, Ayr, which will include a main showroom, a valet building, MOT and servicing area as well as up to 360 parking spaces.
AM ONLINE
Hendy hosts first cars and coffee event of 2023
Hendy Group welcomed hundreds of car enthusiast to its first Performance Coffee Run of 2023, at Thruxton race circuit on January 15.
The automotive dealer group is planning a second event on Sunday, February 19.
The Coffee Runs, which take place on the third Sunday of the month are becoming the biggest car and coffee meets during the winter and serve as a warm up to the annual Hendy Performance Open Day which will be held at Thruxton on June 25.
Harry Pearson, head of brand for Hendy Performance, said: “The Coffee Runs are proving a real attraction for motoring fans from across the south. They attract a huge variety of cars, and the owners love to meet up and chat about their amazing cars over a morning coffee.”
CAR DEALER MAGAZINE
Sytner owner generated record revenue in 2022 as profits soar to £1.6bn
Sytner and CarShop’s parent company Penske Automotive saw its profits reach record levels in 2022, despite a slight dip in performance from the UK wings of the company.
Documents uploaded to the US outfit’s website reveal that Penske enjoyed a bumper year in the 12 months to December 31, 2022, with record levels of turnover and profit achieved.
Penske’s total revenue rose by nine per cent to a whopping $27.8bn (£23bn) last year. That resulted in a 16 per cent hike in pre-tax profits, which ballooned to an impressive $1.9bn (£1.6bn).
AM ONLINE
Constellation Automotive owner TDR Capital acquires stake in Vertu Motors
Constellation Automotive owner TDR Capital has extended its presence in the car retail sector with the purchase of a 3.1% stake in Vertu Motors.
The move by the private equity house behind BCA, cinch, Marshall Motor Group and WeBuyAnyCar operator Constellation – worth around £6.8 million – was confirmed in documents published via the London Stock Exchange this morning (February 8).
MOTOR TRADER
Vertu revamps Mercedes-Benz dealership in Ascot
Vertu has carried out a £700,000 refurbishment of its Mercedes-Benz dealership in Ascot.
The dealership currently, which currently employs 45 staff, recruiting as part of the investment, with a number of roles available including a technician, a service advisor, a service administrator and a Driver.
Vertu Motors operates Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Ascot, Reading, Slough, Aylesbury and Beaconsfield.
MOTOR TRADER
Hendy holds event to mark achievements of apprentices
Hendy Group has held a dedicated event to mark the achievements of its apprentices.
It currently has 63 apprentices working in the business and has plans to recruit more this year.
The event at motor racing circuit Thruxton gave new apprentices an insight into the Hendy business and certificates were awarded to those who have recently completed their apprenticeships.
Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy, said: “We have apprentices working throughout the business and some of our most successful senior managers started their careers with Hendy as apprentices.
AM ONLINE
Marshall Motor Group appoints Arriva finance director Mark Hemus
Marshall Motor Group has appointed Arriva Group finance director Mark Hemus as its new FD.
Hemus, who spent almost a decade with Daimler Chrysler after joining as a finance graduate and spent 12 years with Argos owner Home Retail Group before joining Arriva Bus in January 2020, takes up the post a month after the departure of Richard Blumberger.
Blumberger left Marshall Motor Group seven months after the AM100 motor retailer's acquisition by Constellation Automotive Group and the subsequent exit of its chief executive Daksh Gupta.
