With the judging complete, nearly 60 finalists are in the running for the highest accolades in automotive retail.

A panel of eight judges, including AM managing editor Tim Rose and chaired by Christopher Macgowan OBE, made their choices this month from the dealers seeking to be crowned the best in the industry.

Taking a deliberately diverse look at the industry, we are seeking to acknowledge great performance, innovation and a consistent approach that exploits opportunities and tackles problems across more than 20 categories. They range from the cutting-edge – in the four digital categories – to the traditional, among them aftersales, used sales and fleet.

As well as dealers, AM acknowledges the part played by manufacturers in the health of the retail sector in five awards voted for by dealers – new car, used car and franchise of the year as well as manufacturer of the year and digital initiative.

The competition is intense – it guarantees the February 11 ceremony will yet again be a night to remember.

Limited seats remain - to book your attendance at the awards, visit www.am-awards.co.uk.

The AM Awards 2016 shortlist

Digital Awards

Best Use of Social Media

Perrys Motor Sales

Peter Vardy

Ridgeway

Specialist Cars Stoke

Award sponsored By: Marketing Delivery

 

Best Use of Television and/or Video

Perrys Motor Sales

Peter Vardy

Specialist Cars Stoke

Think Ford

 

Best Dealer Website

Arnold Clark Automobiles

cartime

Hendy Car Store

Perrys Motor Sales

Specialist Cars Stoke

Sytner Group

 

Best Manufacturer Digital Innovation

BMW Retail Online

Vauxhall OnStar

 

Excellence in Business Awards

 

Best Training and Development Programme

Arnold Clark Automobiles

Honda (UK)

Jardine Motors Group

John Clark Motor Group

Mercedes-Benz UK (Apprentice)

TrustFord

Award sponsored By: AutoProtect

 

Excellence in Customer Service

CarShop

Devonshire Motors

Lookers Volkswagen Carlisle

Peter Vardy Motherwell Vauxhall

Specialist Cars Stoke

Vic Young

Award sponsored By: EMaC

 

Excellence in Aftersales

Devonshire Motors

Mercedes-Benz & Smart Birmingham Central

Peter Vardy Motherwell Vauxhall

Sponsored By: FUCHS Lubricants

 

NEW Best Service Reception Team

Crewe Audi (Swansway Group)

Peter Vardy Porsche Aberdeen

 

Best Sales Team (New or Used)

cartime

Hendy Group

Mercedes-Benz & Smart Birmingham Central

Norton Way Corporate Sales

Peter Vardy CarStore Glasgow

Sponsored By: Barclays Partner Finance

 

Manufacturer Awards

 

Used Car of the Year

BMW 3 Series

Ford Fiesta

Kia Sportage

Sponsored By: Car Care Plan

 

New Car of the Year

Honda HR-V

Renault Kadjar

Vauxhall Astra

Volvo XC90

Sponsored By: Supagard

 

Franchise of the Year

Ford

Honda

Kia Motors

Renault

Sponsored By: carwow

 

Retailer Awards

 

Best Used Car Performance

Mercedes-Benz & Smart Birmingham Central

Perrys Vauxhall Doncaster

Peter Vardy

Sponsored By: Autoclenz

 

Best Fleet Operation

Minstergate Hyundai

Norton Way Corporate Sales

Swansway Group

TrustFord

Tunbridge Wells Hyundai

 

Most Improved Dealership

Perrys Vauxhall Doncaster

Sandicliffe of Stapleford

Sponsored By: Martec Europe

 

Best Dealership

cartime

Mercedes-Benz & Smart Birmingham Central

Norton Way Mazda

Peter Vardy BMW & Mini Edinburgh

Romford Mazda

Vic Young

Sponsored By: Rhino Events

 

Best Retail Group (up to & including 10 sites)

City West Country

Delgarth Motor Group

Essex Auto Group

Jacksons CI

Norton Way Motors

Sponsored By: Diamondbrite Automotive

 

Best Retail Group (more than 10 sites)

Arnold Clark Automobiles

Peter Vardy

Swansway Group

TrustFord

Sponsored By: MAPFRE ABRAXAS

 

Headline Awards

 

Digital Initiative of the Year

Shortlist is made up of the winners from each digital category.

Sponsored By: Auto Trader

 

Dealer Principal/General Manager of the Year

Adam McCullagh, Mercedes-Benz & Smart Birmingham Central

Amarjit Shokar, Romford Mazda

Glen Kenington, TrustFord

John Vilums, Perrys Vauxhall Doncaster

Vic Young, Vic Young South Shields

 

Manufacturer of the Year

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

Renault/Dacia

Toyota

Volvo

Sponsored By: Smart Insurance

 

Retailer of the Year

Shortlist is made up of the winners from each retail category.

Sponsored By: Black Horse

 

Business Leader of the Year

Chosen by the AM judges.

Sponsored By: Premia Solutions

 

AM Hall of Fame

Chosen by the AM judges.

Sponsored By: Shell