Automotive industry stalwart Ron Sewell has died aged 83.
Sewell founded automotive intelligence and research business Sewells over 40 years ago and was known as “the father of modern dealership management”.
His outstanding contribution to the UK motor industry was marked by a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Institute of the Motor Industry and by being the first recipient of AM's Hall of Fame.
He also founded the Automotive Fellowship 16 years ago, an organisation where the most successful, forward thinking senior executives of the industry come together to be stimulated by leading edge thinkers and to share and brainstorm the critical issues facing their businesses.
Sewell formed the Fellowship because he felt there was a need for manufacturers, dealers and other organizations involved in the industry to work together.
Christopher Macgowan, visiting professor at the University of Buckingham’s Business School’s Centre for Automotive Management and vice president of the Automotive Fellowship, said: “It is with enormous sadness that I have to report the death last night of my dear friend Ron Sewell.
“He was the inspiration behind the Automotive Fellowship International, was arguably the first person to write management accounts books for automotive dealers – which have been widely translated – and provided guidance and advice to thousands within the industry. The well-known Sewells publication was, of course, created by Ron.”
There will be a funeral for family and close friends, with a memorial service expected to be held at a later date.
Irishboy4 - 30/05/2012 06:04
One of the greats, Sewells Digest was insprational, informative, insightful and most of all important to manage a car dealership through the 70s, 80s and 90s. Rest in peace Ron, you will be well remembered and missed.