Mazda Dealer Invests £3.5M to Tower Rivals

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – November 22, 2010: Steve Hodgson, managing director of Newcastle-based Hodgson Mazda – a Mazda dealer for the past 23 years - continues to back his franchise of choice with a £3.5 million redevelopment which includes the UK’s first AutoPod, an eight-storey glass tower that can display 32 cars.

The all-glass Hodgson Mazda Tower is on a 0.75 acre site next to the UK’s largest shopping complex, the Metrocentre in Gateshead.

Cars in the tower – or AutoPod as it is officially known - are moved around using a computer-controlled lift to deliver vehicles to the right location.

It is based on a concept developed in Germany by the Nussbaum Group and Steve set up AutoPod Solutions UK with Newcastle builder Tony Whelan and they plan now to sell units to other car dealers.

“It’s going to be great, and everyone, inside and outside the industry is really buzzing about it,” said Steve. “Apart from being an incredible visual spectacle, it clearly illustrates the significant space savings that can be achieved.

“There’s nothing worse than having to go out and inspect a car in the wind and rain. This allows the cars to keep clean and the fact that they’re secure with their engines off reduces the carbon footprint,”

Steve said he chose the Gateshead site to pioneer his AutoPod concept because it was the most challenging with regard to capacity and cost issues.

“It was simply not viable to build a conventional dealership to offer the new and used vehicle displays and aftersales capacity we wanted which is why AutoPod was created,” he said.

Hodgson has hired a further 35 staff to work at its Mazda dealership and the company now employs more than 200 across its multi-franchise business in the North-east.

The company has seen both its turnover and pre-tax profit rise despite the difficult trading conditions of the last two years. In the year ending December 2009, turnover rose from £46.1 million to £48.4 million, while pre-tax profit jumped from £931,376 to £1,325,910.

“There’s no magic formula. You deliver on your promises and your customers become ambassadors,” said Steve.

“We’ve spent £4.2m in the last 12 months. I invest every penny back into the business. It’s a very clear strategy.

“I have built the business on loyalty and Mazda UK’s management show the same values of loyalty, honesty and integrity that have helped me establish my business. Their down-to-earth approach means they’re a good company to work with.”

He is also delighted with the Mazda product range: “With products like the iconic Mazda MX-5 and their successful volumes models (Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6) the company has the most distinctive cars in their sector. Mazda products have soul and individuality.”