Motor Trader’s Top 200 Dealer Groups list reveals a sector in constant flux in terms of takeovers and takeovers

Motor Trader’s Top 200 Franchised Dealer Groups for 2024 shows that the sector is in constant flux, with huge interest in dealer groups from foreign investors, ongoing consolidation and market building momentum following the decline during the pandemic.

Sytner once again tops the charts with annual turnover of £6.8 billion and pre-tax profits of £178.9 million.

Arnold Clark came in second place with a turnover of £4.9 billion and a pre-tax profit of £173.5 million.

In third place was recently acquired Lookers, with a turnover of £4.3 billion and a pre-tax profit of £84.4 million.

Motor Trader’s Top 200 Franchised Dealer Groups list continues to grow. Total turnover is £81.3 billion compared to £75.1 billion in the 2023 survey.

Profitability fell to £1.8 billion from £2.048 billion last time. Return on sales – average simple pre-tax profit as a percentage of sales – fell to 2.25% compared to 2.87% last time. Meanwhile, average simple pre-tax profit per employee fell to £13,806 from £16,183 in the 2023 survey.

“This is the most important data, but ranking the top 200 franchised dealer groups for 2024 has proven to be very difficult due to the number and volume of acquisitions from 2021 to now,” said report author Chris Oakham.