Arnold Clark, Lookers and Clive Brook Volvo were visited by their local MP last Friday (May 25) as the NFDA's Parliamentary Engagement Programme continued to give car retailers a chance to discuss to dicuss employment, apprenticeships and Brexit.

The opportunity taken up by the three car retail groups also sought to highlight to MPs that modern diesel and petrol cars still represent the most efficient fuel types for many drivers, the NFDA said.

Eddie Hawthorne, managing director of Arnold Clark, was visited by Joanna Cherry QC MP.

Clive Brooke, managing director of Clive Brook Volvo in Bradford, met Imran Hussain MP.

And David Williams, franchise director of Lookers Mercedes-Benz in Stafford and Andrew Stephenson, Lookers group people director, saw Jeremy Lefroy MP.

Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, said: “It is positive to see the levels of engagement across government and MPs with the retail automotive industry. Franchised retailers have repeatedly proved their resilience and, going forward, it is crucial they can operate in stable conditions.

“NFDA will continue to work alongside its members to raise awareness of the retail automotive sector and ensure that the contributions our sector makes to the UK economy continue to be recognised.”

Brook, said: “The visit was a great opportunity to meet our local MP and show him how franchised dealerships work.

“We were pleased to showcase our apprentices and discuss the Volvo Apprenticeship Scheme which aims at fully training the apprentices to take on the role of qualified service and maintenance technician at the end of the three years.”