The  judging panel has pored over a raft of AM Awards 2019 entries, examined audit results from BDO and discussed at length the merits of each entrant's submission.

The panel has determined the shortlist of finalists, from which the overall winners in each category will be announced during the AM Awards gala dinner on February 7 at Birmingham NEC.

We're pleased to announce the first batch of categories and finalists today. A second batch is now revealed here.

Finalists in the 2019 AM Awards (part one)

Used Car of the Year, sponsored by Car Care Plan

Audi A3

Ford Fiesta

Kia Sportage

Nissan Qashqai

Volkswagen Golf

Volvo XC60

New Car of the Year, sponsored by Supagard

Ford Focus

Jaguar I-Pace

Kia Ceed

Peugeot 508

Volkswagen T-Roc

Volvo XC40

Franchise Partner of the Year, sponsored by Autoweb Design

Ford of Britain

Kia Motors UK

Volvo Car UK

Best New Product or Service

Alphera Financial Services

Calldrip

cap hpi

David Utting Engineering

EMaC

Best Marketing Strategy, sponsored by Motors.co.uk

Barretts

Kia Motors UK

Trustford

Best Use of Social Media, sponsored by Marketing Delivery

Carbase

Marshall Motor Group

Trustford

Best Website, sponsored by CarGurus

Arnold Clark Automobiles

Bridgend Ford

Buyacar.co.uk

Carbase

Gates

Imperial Cars

Sandicliffe Motor Group

Best in Customer Service, sponsored by EMaC

Arnold Clark Automobiles

Buyacar.co.uk

Cartime

M&A Coachworks

MB Motors Ballymena

Motonet.com

Westcars of Tiverton

Best Aftersales Team, sponsored by Gtechniq

J Edgar & Son

Milcars Mazda

Thame Cars

Best Sales Team – new or used, sponsored by Barclays Partner Finance

Alexanders Prestige

Buyacar.co.uk

Perrys Vauxhall of Dover

Rygor Commercials

Best Fleet or Local Business Dealer, sponsored by MFG Group

Clive Brook Volvo

Johnsons Fleet Services

Norton Way Corporate Sales

Trustford

The Community Hero Award, sponsored by Texaco Havoline

Arnold Clark Automobiles

Aston Martin Cambridge

Trustford

The AM Awards 2019 finalists in the remaining categories will be revealed on AM-online tomorrow (Thursday, January 10).

Book your place at the AM Awards