Celebrations As Skoda Success Saves Local Jobs

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – Dec 21, 2011: The new year is looking a little brighter for locals, as 17 jobs are saved by the acquisition of Loders Motor Group by Heritage Automotive Group at the end of last month.

Heritage Automotive Group was in a position to buy out the most profitable areas of the Loders business, and it was the continued success of the much-loved Loders Škoda dealership that helped secure its interest in the job-saving deal.

Škoda has achieved record-breaking sales this year, totalling more than 41,300 UK registrations and increasing its market share to 2.3% - a success largely due to the exceptional focus on excellent customer service at over 130 Škoda retailers nationwide.

The take-over means that Yeovil’s Loders Škoda is now operating as Heritage Škoda on the same site. It is business as usual too, as the new dealership opens its doors as a full Sales Retailer and Authorised Repairer, with 17 delighted ex-Loders staff continuing in their roles and avoiding further uncertainty.

John Cook, managing director at Heritage comments: “I am delighted that Heritage has been able to secure the futures of the Loders Škoda staff, whom I warmly welcome into the Heritage family.”

Given the Czech manufacturer’s hugely successful year, which has seen it win the 2011 Which Car? ‘Best Car Manufacturer’ amongst an impressive array of other awards, the acquisition is undoubtedly an extremely shrewd business move for Heritage Automotive Group.

Cook continues: “We’re delighted to be representing Škoda for the first time. It is a franchise which we have wanted to be part of for many years so we’re hugely excited about the future of Heritage Škoda in Yeovil.”

Richard Clapp, Retailer Principal at the new dealership adds: “We’re so proud to be continuing Škoda’s legacy in Yeovil by continuing to sell these excellent, great value cars in the area. We see ourselves as a local business, so we truly feel that our success means success for the community too.”

Duncan Movassaghi, Head of Operations at Škoda UK comments: “We are investing heavily in developing our retailer network across the UK, and are delighted to welcome Heritage to our Brand. We’re thrilled that the brand’s success has been reflected in the success of our retailers, and in turn helped to secure jobs in the Yeovil area.”

Heritage Škoda Yeovil is located on Mead Avenue, Houndstone Business Park, Yeovil, BA22 8RT. To arrange a test drive of one of Škoda’s fantastic cars, call 01935410300.

Heritage Automotive
Heritage Automotive is rated 109th in the Motor Trader Top 200, and represents Volkswagen, Audi and Peugeot across Wiltshire, Somerset and Bristol.

The purchase of Loders Skoda is the group’s first Skoda dealership.

The Group’s portfolio also includes authorised body repair centres in Dorchester, Salisbury and Westbury, a Volkswagen Group Trade Parts Specialist agency in Yeovil, and a specialist used vehicle centre in Bradford on Avon which trades under the Motor Marque banner.