Tributes paid to Fred Maguire, former chairman of car dealer group Lookers

Tributes have been paid to the former Lookers chairman Fred Maguire, who died on Friday aged 81.

Maguire was chief executive of Charles Hurst in his native Northern Ireland in the 1990s and after its acquisition by Lookers he became chairman of the AM100 dealer group.

He remained chairman for almost a decade until he retired in 2006, having only months before helped Lookers fend off a takeover bid from arch rival Pendragon.

Mark Mitchell, chief executive of Mitchell Group, said Maguire was "a man in a million", and thanked him for mentoring him for more than 20 years.

"He was my constant support when life was tough and the ultimate man of prayer when challenges, and joys, presented themselves," said Mitchell.

"The UK automotive sector gives thanks for his wisdom, inspiration and encouragement."

Tim Rose, AM editor, said: "Just days after joining AM I had the pleasure to meet Fred Maguire and his chief executive Ken Surgenor, and as a petrolheaded journalist with everything to learn about the intricacies of the motor retail industry, I was immediately struck by his genuine interest in helping me get up to speed with industry issues."