[gallery id=1098]
Founded in 1971 by Robin’s father, Colin, as a retailer of Honda and Suzuki motorcycles, the company became the first in the UK to sign up for Suzuki cars in 1979 and has represented the Japanese carmaker since, expanding with it into four locations: the original in Keighley, then Huddersfield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Shipley.
Today, Colin Appleyard accounts for 4.5% of Suzuki’s new car sales in the UK and its dealerships have built up local market shares of about 8%. It’s an impressive position for franchises with a niche brand (Suzuki has a 1.3% slice of the national market). Alongside its main partner, it also represents two other Japanese carmakers: Nissan and Subaru.
Login to continue reading
Or register with AM-online to keep up to date with the latest UK automotive retail industry news and insight.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
kevin - 04/05/2016 12:54
The Leicester of the motor trade Robin is a man of his word