AMT Auto acquires Redline Specialist Cars in strategic expansion

Leeds-based AMT Auto has acquired independent prestige car dealer Redline Specialist Cars in a move that significantly expands its footprint across the UK automotive market.

AMT Auto, founded in 1995 as a leasing finance brokerage, has grown over three decades into a £60 million business employing more than 220 staff. The company now operates across car rentals, leasing, vehicle sales, subscription services and insurance.

Knaresborough-based Redline, which began in 1997 with just 25 vehicles on a Leeds forecourt, now sells around 2,000 high-end cars annually and employs 34 people.

In the most recent AM100 report Redline ranked 10th in the ID10 chart of the UK's largest independent used car dealer groups.

The business operates from showrooms in Knaresborough and Cirencester and has a significant online presence, specialising in marques such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce.

AMT managing director and founder Neil McGawley described the deal as transformative. “Redline Specialist Cars is a fantastic brand and business and this alliance is set to take the AMT Group to a whole new level,” he said.

“This merger offers significant strategic advantages and enhances what we already believe to be the widest range of vehicle solutions currently available, giving our customers even more choice and even better service. We are more powerful together.”

Redline co-directors John Graeme and Robert Milner added: “AMT is the number one brand at what they do and Redline is the number one brand at what we do, so it all makes perfect sense,” said Milner.

“We share the same vision and ambition. By joining forces, we’ll elevate both businesses, offering unparalleled choice and service. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The move comes as AMT continues its own expansion, with a new site opening soon in Morley and its contract hire and leasing division recently relocating to larger premises on Kirkstall Road in Leeds. A strong supporter of Yorkshire sport, AMT sponsors Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

Pictured: (l-r): Rob Milner, sales director at Redline Specialist Cars; Neil McGawley, managing director at AMT Auto; and John Graeme, operations director at Redline Specialist Cars