Sytner takes over in Birmingham

Sytner Group has fought off competition from rival dealers to take control of the flagship Toyota World showroom in Birmingham. The dealership becomes Sytner's first Toyota outlet, although parent company United Auto Group has a strong relationship with the carmaker in the US. Sytner is likely to take on more Toyota territories.

The change of management comes three months after previous incumbents Hamer Group collapsed into administration after sustained financial losses. Its other Toyota outlet and three Ford dealerships in the Midlands closed within a month after buyers failed to come forward.