Group 1 Automotive has rebranded its Barons and Chandlers BMW and Mini dealerships under new Group 1 BMW and Group 1 Mini banners as part of a bid to offer “transparency”.

The US-owned AM100 retail group said in a statement issued to customers that the sites’ new name would more closely align them to the “successful and well-established group that we represent”, while providing customers with the transparency that lies “at the heart of our values”.

Dealerships in Bedford, Boreham Wood, Brighton, Cambridge, Farnborough, Hailsham, Hindhead, Stanstead and Worthing will all bear Group 1 BMW signage as a result of the move.

Group 1 Automotive said: “The rebrand comes at an exciting time as Group 1 Automotive, a Fortune 300 company, grows and strengthens within the UK.”

Group 1, which appointed its current president of US operations Daryl Kenningham as its new chief executive and director of operations Mark Bridgland to the post of UK managing director this summer, acquired Barons back in 2010.

Last month AM reported that the business had further grown its BMW representation with the acquisition of Essex-based BMW and Mini franchised car retailer Fairfield Motor Group.

In July last year, meanwhile, it grew its existing Volkswagen Group franchises with the addition of Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen businesses – largely located in East Anglia – through the acquisition of Robinsons Motor Group.

This summer Group 1 highlighted the strength of its new car order books in the UK after reporting a record Q2 performance.

The group delivered a 14.3% increase in revenues to $4.1 billion (£3.4bn) in Q2 as its gross profit rose by 18.3% to $768.4m (£636.4m) and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations of $12.1 (£10) – the highest in its history.

But year-on-year sales comparisons in the UK declined in a period 12 months on from the sector's second COVID-19 lockdown recovery.

UK revenues were down 8.3% to $639.9m (£530.1m) in Q2 as gross profit declined 4.5% to $83.2m (£68.9m) as new and used car sales volumes declined 18.2% to 11,964 units.

In its statement to customers regarding the Barons and Chandlers rebrand, Group 1 was keen to highlight the strength of the operation whose name its dealerships now feature. It said: “Group 1 Automotive is now the 7th largest dealer group in the UK, operating here since 2007.

“The group has since acquired over 75 franchised sites across 55 locations, all with the core company values at the heart of our businesses – Integrity, Transparency, Professionalism, Teamwork and Respect.”