Luscombe Motors has appointed former Mitsubishi and Suzuki finance specialist Soteris Neophytou as its new innovation and development manager.

The Leeds-based Suzuki and MG Motor UK franchised car retailer said that it had beaten competition from OEMs to recruit Neophytou in a move which underlines its intention to drive continued investment into digital development.

Managing director, Robin Luscombe, described the appointment as a “coup” for the business in a recent interview with AM.

A statement issued by the retailer said Neophytou would bring “a wealth of knowledge, experience and a new perspective” from his previous roles as sales, marketing and operations manager with Mitsubishi Finance and marketing and digital manager at Suzuki Finance.

As a result of Neophytou’s appointment, Sam Luscombe, who developed the digital strategy including the award-winning ‘Best Dealer Website’, will now progress to run the rapidly growing MG franchise.

In November AM reported that Robin Luscombe said he had been living a car sales “dream” after record 2020 financial results were followed by the sale of 280 MG electric vehicles (EV) in a single week.

The Leeds-based Suzuki and MG franchisee has reported turnover up by 69.7% to £34.7 million and profit before tax which soared by 350.6% to £1.6m in its annual financial results to May 31, 2021.

Luscombe Motors’ statement detailing the recruitment of Neophytou said that the business was now well-equipped to go “full speed ahead” once again and work towards “another record-breaking year in 2022”.

• Luscombe Motors managing director, Robin Luscombe shared insight as part of an expert panel for AM’s recent General Managers' Guide to building your dealership's reputation webinar. Listen to the webinar for free here.