David Peel is the first to admit that it will take more than smarter operating processes, upgraded premises and a £30 million investment plan to steer a major British car business back to profit.
Jon Mathers is not your ordinary dealer group managing director. While most would agree this industry encourages competitive spirit, Mathers embraces that quality as a former global jet ski racing champion and time trial racing car driver.
The car market collapse, warranty hysteria and supply issues after Japan’s tsunami were a triple whammy for RRG Group in the North West of England. Yet it made it through intact, and bounced back fast. Now its Japanese owners have given its management clear instructions: acquire, expand and spread the risk.
Vertu Motors’ year end results, published today, reveal turnover up year-on-year 8.9% and above the one billion mark for the first time, at £1.09 billion (2011: £999m).
Two decades have seen Essex Auto Group grow from a single outlet to selling different marques through its five showrooms. But despite the changes it’s still Ford – its original franchise – that sits at the heart of its business.
“In five years’ time all this will be gone.” That’s a pretty powerful statement, by anyone’s standards. What makes it even more weighty is that it was delivered by the head of the UK’s largest franchised dealer group, Pendragon.
How to stay in business for 100-plus years.
Arnold Clark Automobiles sells more used cars than any other retailer, consistently posting return on sales of around 3%.
James Alpe plays the diversification game, effectively comprising of seven separate businesses, it can turn its hand to almost anything.
