The founder and chairman of the Greens Motor Group in Kent, incorporating Medway Autos and Greens of Rainham, has died.

Mohamad Joorabchian, 68, collapsed the day after the public opening of his latest project, a Vauxhall and Saab sales, servicing and parts operation at Holborough, Snodland.

Joorabchian was involved in a wealth of automotive industry activities during his career, including manufacturing and retailing, first in his native Iran, then Canada and the UK. He was instrumental in the establishment of the first automotive manufacturing concern in Iran, at the request of the Shah of Persia.

Subsequently he returned to the UK and established Greens 25 years ago, serving the Medway towns with Mercedes-Benz, Vauxhall and more recently Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Saab products.

Greens chief executive Mike Rowe said Joorabchian had built a loyal and highly committed team and was particularly proud of the new Holborough facility, which he had described as ‘the realization of a dream’.

“A family man of principle and personal dedication, his courage in adversity when health became an issue was respected by customers and staff alike,” said Rowe.

Control of the company passes to his son Kia Joorabchian, supported by his sister Tannaz and widow, Sharzad.