Why Hodgson Newcastle will never be ‘a carmaker’s puppet’

By Tim Rose
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1 July 2015

The dealer group, with Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki franchises in Newcastle and Gateshead, has been built through decades of organic growth, hard work and integrity and Hodgson is loath to throw all that away. The fact Hodgson is a top quartile performer for all its brands also allows the dealer group a little negotiating power. However, he has no ambitions to head an empire; he wants the best from what he has.

'There are dealers who’ve bought a bunch of dealerships in 18 or 24 months and now haven’t got a pot to pee in.'

“There are dealers who’ve bought a bunch of dealerships in 18 or 24 months and now haven’t got a pot to pee in, because they’ve bought everything with the finance company’s money. So whose business is it? It’s the finance company’s.

Author: Tim Rose

Editor

tim.rose@bauermedia.co.uk

01733468266

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.

Comments (8)

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Comments

Anon - 03/07/2015 07:25

The door isn't always open for staff!
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David Wilkin - 03/07/2015 21:22

as an ex-employee I disagree with Anon. Mr H expects nothing less than the best, if you give it he won't ever turn you away. In the three years I worked there we only spoke three times, the final time being a thank you from him to me, and one from me to him. I haven't worked for him for over a year but HODGSON NEWCASTLE was a great place to work staffed by people with integrity and personal values. Staff and customers are always treated by management as you'd treat your family.
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John - 07/07/2015 15:03

Suppose it's easy to criticise other dealers who use stocking loans when you've inherited a business with no debt. Silver spoon springs to mind!
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Brian - 08/07/2015 14:07

Can't comment on how Mr H treats his staff but he's spot on regarding manufacturers. Great article imo
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Susan - 09/07/2015 16:50

Must be great to be a keyboard warrior and pass judgment ANON. I have had two cars from the Hodgson Garage and every time we go to the garage whether it be for a look, purchase or service we are always treated with respect and the staff are brilliant. Interesting article. JOHN - did you miss the paragraph which said ' When Hodgson Newcastle gained its first Mazda dealership 28 years ago, he turned down a stocking loan and instead started with eight used cars, recycling the profits to buy 10 more, then 12.' doesn't sound silver spooned to me. I would rather purchase a car from an honest reputable company with staff that clearly are invested in the company and its brand than other garages where you are seen as a walking commission cheque.
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John - 10/07/2015 12:54

Susan,you are either family or staff because I not then you go down in history as the first member of the public to post a comment on an industry only forum. My point was its all very easy to sneer at dealers who have to borrow when you have inherited a solid business which included freehold property. The guys who start from scratch and work relentlessly to service both property and stocking loans are to be admired for their determination not ridiculed by the likes of SH who is only in his exhalted position due to the efforts of his father.
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Susan - 12/07/2015 13:45

John, not family or friend I found the post on LinkedIn via the Hodgson Newcastle page. I work in financial services hence why I was interested in reading the post. Your initial comment came over very bitter whereas your reply had substance. Think before you post as it can only reflect poorly on you.
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Angry new customer - 30/07/2015 22:50

I contacted Hodgsons, on the basis that their online shop http://www.hodgsons-newcastle-shop.co.uk for buying accessories and parts disappeared over a week ago, just after I bought myself a Mazda. I still have had no response to my e-mail. This shows a distinct lack of customer service
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