Three more dealer groups have joined the Retail Automotive Alliance.

Chambers Group, Gates Ford and Hartwell Group are the latest to join the RAA, a buying group which was formed in 2005 as a joint venture by a small group of motor retailers.

It takes the total to 23 shareholder members with over 230 sales outlets across the UK, selling more than 235,000 new and used cars annually and representing 26 motor franchises.

With a combined member turnover of £2.9bn, the RAA has pooled members’ individual purchasing requirements across a range of suppliers from oil through to finance and insurance to deliver annual savings across the membership.

John Matthews, the RAA’s business development director, said: “The RAA is all about its members. We are very careful about appointing those who not only contribute to the scale and quality of our venture but who fit in culturally with what we have created. Chambers, Gates and Hartwells are exactly the type of businesses we are looking for as we continue to grow the membership and they have each been warmly welcomed by all.”

Gates Ford is a family owned and operated Ford retailer with locations in Stevenage, Harlow and St Albans, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and Epping. 

Hartwell operates 11 dealership sites across the UK representing a wide range of vehicle brands.

Chambers, a family owned company in its fourth generation, has a Ford showroom in Sutton Coldfield and a second location in Tamworth representing Hyundai and Mazda.

Nigel Howes, Chambers Group managing director said: “We are delighted to be part of the RAA and enjoy the benefits of scale that the group offers which enable us to be significantly more competitive than we would be alone.”

“It isn’t simply the commercial benefits that appeal to us, it is the opportunity to regularly meet with like-minded business owners in my industry and share experiences, thoughts and ideas and improve our own business as a result.”

Heath Greenall, Gates Ford managing director, said: "The benefits of scale that the group offers enable us to be significantly more competitive than we would be alone.”

His view was echoed by Kevin Godfrey, managing director of Hartwell.