AM100 group expands, gains more Citroen and Vauxhall dealerships

Howards Motor Group continues to expand its portfolio of car dealerships in the West Country, opening its second Vauxhall showroom in under 12 months and adding a third Citroen outlet.

It has now opened a combined Citroen and Vauxhall dealership at Yeovil, in Lufton Way, expanding its relationship with Stellantis. It opened its first Vauxhall dealership at Taunton last year, and it already has Citroen showrooms at Weston-super-Mare and Taunton.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Stellantis by bringing Citroen and Vauxhall to our Yeovil location,” said Chris Lee (pictured), managing director of Howards Motor Group.

“The early success of our Vauxhall franchise in Taunton and ongoing performance from our other Stellantis franchises within our group continue to demonstrate the strong market demand and potential for these brands."

Howards, which is currently 92nd in the AM100 listing of the UK's largest dealer groups, already represents fellow Stellantis brands Peugeot at four locations and DS at one.

The Yeovil site is also home to a group used car centre.

“We are excited to bring the Citroen and Vauxhall brands to Yeovil and look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Stellantis,” added Lee.

“Our team on site is dedicated to providing outstanding service and support, and we are confident that this new showroom will be a great addition to our group and the local community.”

Lee, who joined the business some 25 years ago as an apprentice technician and became managing director in 2022, is steering Howards Motor Group through a period of expansion.

In addition to the Stellantis additions, Howards has added Hyundai and Kia dealerships in Taunton within the last two years.

Blackdown Motor Company, which was previously a franchisee with Vauxhall and Citroen at Yeovil under the Rowcliffes brand, is now a used car specialist and an authorised repairer.