Veteran Volvo duo retire after 75 years of combined service at Riverside

Two longstanding team members at Riverside Volvo Doncaster have retired, marking the end of an era for the local dealership after an impressive combined tenure of 75 years.

Mick Savage and Steve Starkie were bid farewell by colleagues at the Wheatley Hall Road retailer, where they had dedicated decades of loyal service to the Riverside Motor Group.

Mick Savage began his journey with the company in 1982 as an apprentice. Over the next 42 years, he climbed the ranks from technician to master technician before finishing his career as workshop controller.

Reflecting on his time at the dealership, Savage said one standout memory was a Volvo-organised trip to Iceland. “I was able to ice drive the brand’s latest models and enjoy the local hospitality,” he said.

Steve Starkie joined the business ten years later in 1992 as a sales executive. Rising to the position of sales manager in 1998, he later transitioned to the role of used car prep manager, retiring after 33 years with the company.

Throughout his tenure, Starkie enjoyed Volvo’s incentive trips, which took him around the world. “I’ve been fortunate to travel to places including South Africa, Las Vegas, New York and Iceland,” he said.

Paying tribute to the pair, Mark Denton, managing director at Riverside Volvo Doncaster, said: “I’d like to thank Mick and Steve for their many years of service and friendship at Riverside Volvo Steve and Mick have seen some major changes to the motoring industry over the years and have both played an integral role in the growth of Riverside Motor Group. On behalf of the whole team at Riverside, I wish them both a long and happy retirement.”