Taggarts' Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Volvo premium car dealerships will be rebranded after more than 120 years' trading as Lookers moves to unify its operations in Scotland.

The AM100 PLC, which acquired Taggarts in 2003, insisted that new Lookers signage would be the only change at the operation which operates five franchised car retail locations in Glasgow and Motherwell.

Duncan McPhee, Lookers Chief Operating Officer, who hails from Campbeltown in Argyll, said: “Lookers continues to have strong presence in Scotland and Taggarts has been proudly part of our family for almost two decades.

“In that time, we’ve continued to invest in our premises and our colleagues to deliver an outstanding experience to our customers that befits the Lookers and Taggarts brands.

“To further strengthen and simplify our strong brand identity across the UK so that we’re always instantly recognisable to our customers wherever they are, we’re only changing the name above the door and moving forward as one strong brand.”

The dealerships included in Lookers’ subtle transformation of its Taggarts sites are its Land Rover retailers at Kennishead Road and Maryhill Road in Glasgow, and at Windmillhill Street in Motherwell as well as Taggarts Jaguar and Volvo retailers, both located in Hillington, Glasgow.

In a statement issued to AM detailing news o the change Lookers said that Taggarts had become one of the best-known names in the motor industry in Scotland during well over a century of trading since its was established in 1896.

McPhee added: “For almost 20 years, being part of Lookers has helped Taggarts to provide a great customer experience, value and choice to our customers across Scotland and that’s something that will never change. Every visitor to our retailers will continue to receive the same great service and be warmly welcomed by the same friendly faces who will always go the extra mile.”

Lookers presence in Scotland also includes Lookers Volkswagen Van Centre in Bailieston, Glasgow and Lookers Audi in Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh, Hamilton and Ayr.

The group operates 150 dealerships in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and employs a team of more than 6,500 staff.

In August the group posted a better than expected first half (H1) of the year performance with underlying profit before tax reaching £47.2 million.

This was down by 5.6% year-on-year from £50m, although the group said the same period in 2021 benefited from £12.7m of Government support.

Earlier this week AM reported that it had added to its list of 33 franchised partners after Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) Ora electric vehicle (EV) brand has appointed it as its first car retail franchisee in England.