Mackie Motors threatens fresh High Court action against Renault, Nissan and RCI

Family-run dealership Mackie Motors is mulling further legal action against Renault UK, Nissan Motor (GB), and RCI Financial Services, alleging a coordinated shutdown of its operations forced the collapse of the business.

In late 2022, the business was devastated when RCI withdrew all finance agreements with just seven days’ notice - a move Mackie claims left the dealership unable to trade and ultimately led to its sale to Park’s Motor Group.

The company has issued formal letters before action to all three businesses through Motor Industry Legal Services, signalling its intention to initiate High Court proceedings unless the dispute is resolved.

Mackie Motors had served as a franchise partner for Renault, Dacia, and Nissan for over 45 years, earning, it said, a reputation for customer service, commercial strength, and community trust.

But in a draft legal claim, the company alleges that without warning or explanation, Renault, Nissan, and their finance arm RCI simultaneously cut off its access to vital systems needed to order parts, process vehicle sales, and support aftersales operations.

The disruption, according to Mackie Motors, rendered the business inoperable and triggered the distressed sale of its assets and property, at what is understood to be a substantial loss.

The company is now seeking damages estimated at around £18 million, covering lost profits, diminished business value, and unreimbursed investment in seized vehicle stock.

MMBL also alleges that RCI Financial Services orchestrated the breakdown by pressuring Renault and Nissan to terminate franchise agreements based on “unsubstantiated internal suspicions.”

Kevin Mackie, director of Mackie Motors, said the claim is about more than financial redress: “For over four decades, we worked in good faith and built a business based on trust, integrity, and loyal service. What we received in return was a total breakdown in basic fairness

“This goes beyond a simple commercial dispute. It is about respect, transparency, and the principle that no business, no matter how large, should be allowed to act with impunity.”

The case has also drawn political attention. MMBL has raised the matter with government ministers, with the backing of local MP Dave Doogan, arguing that greater accountability is needed for large automotive groups and finance houses.

In response, a spokesperson for RCI - which has since rebranded as Mobilize - told AM Online: “We will not comment on ongoing legal matters beyond noting that previous claims by MMBL were robustly dismissed by three separate courts, including the High Court and the Court of Appeal, all of which concluded that we acted lawfully regarding our contract with Mackie Motors.”

Despite previous legal defeats, Mackie Motors has recently been granted permission to appeal

.