There are some in this industry who revel in maintaining a high profile and celebrating every success loudly. There are others content to quietly do an astounding job developing an astounding business. Our inductee is one of the latter.

Over numerous years in this industry our inductee Graham Day has driven the family-run AM100 dealer group CEM Day to grasp many opportunities for growth. As a qualified chartered accountant with a passion for numbers, our inductee ensured none of these opportunities have come at the expense of significant profit. It has broadened its franchises, built strong leasing and rental divisions and its development into an astoundingly profitable ‘one-stop shop’ for motorists has set it apart from other dealer groups.

Today, the business is in its 94th year. CEM Day consistently features in the top six groups for profitability in the AM100. Our inductee, with the help of his family and experienced team, is keeping the group’s  focus on customer satisfaction in sales and aftersales while adapting to the latest technologies in a changing automotive industry. Its fleet and rental operations are expanding and preparing for looming electrification and infrastructure changes.

Day says it has been “a joy and an honour” to have worked in the family business for more than 50 years, 35 of those as its leader. But, echoing the words of the watchmaker Patek Philipe, he says he’s just been looking after it for future generations.

We're delighted to welcome Graham Day, chairman of CEM Day, into the AM Hall of Fame in 2020.

Previous inductees:

2019 Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK former president and chief executive

2018 Jack Tordoff MBE, JCT600

2015 Michael Smyth, Swansway Group

2016 Mark Squires, Benfield Motor Group/NFDA

2015 Gerard Nieuwenhuys, Sytner

2014 Peter Jones, Lookers