James & Jenkins of Cardiff has acquired the only Chrysler Jeep Dodge franchise in Wales as Pendragon’s Stratstone division parts company with the manufacturer “by mutual agreement,” said a Chrysler UK spokeswoman.

Pendragon held four Chrysler Jeep Dodge franchises – the other one closed is at Leicester. The others are at Derby and Nottingham. Heritage Leicester has acquired the Chrysler franchise for the city, and Murray Motors – part of John Martin Group – takes those in Edinburgh and Selkirk.

James & Jenkins has opened its Chrysler outlet after investing around £250,000 in premises where it has sold used cars since the Suzuki franchise moved elsewhere.

Mark James, James & Jenkins managing director, wrote to Chrysler UK in January, saying he wanted to represent the manufacturer if the Cardiff franchise became available. “The Compass and Patriot are priced to appeal to our previous Suzuki Grand Vitara customers,” said James.

“This new franchise is my little baby – I qualified as a chartered accountant but all my time is now devoted to the motor business.”

James said he felt positive about Chrysler’s future now it was in protective bankruptcy. “If we have Fiat Pandas rebadged as Dodges, that would suit us fine,” James said. 

“We have arranged a series of events this summer to make people aware of us, including the sponsorship of Team Jeep at polo matches in the area. 

“We are donating a car to a local hospice and will raise our profile at indoor displays while raising money
for it.”

Robert James (Mark’s father) and Ken Jenkins founded the business but after a disagreement Jenkins took the Suzuki franchise away. The firm held the Vauxhall franchise until the manufacturer served notice in 2002. 

James & Jenkins is an authorised repairer for Vauxhall and Renault.