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Marshall and Cinch to fall under new Constellation banner as boss Martin Casha calls it a day

Marshall Motor Group CEO Martin Casha has decided to retire from his post at the dealer group and will leave at the end of March.

As exclusively revealed by Car Dealer sources on Friday, Casha will be replaced by former Mercedes boss Gary Savage as CEO and supported by James Mullins as CFO.

The business will implement a new Constellation Retail Division which will include both the Cinch and Marshall businesses.

The Marshall and Cinch brands will remain and come under a new Constellation Retail Group banner.

The news was broken to staff by Constellation Automotive Group CEO Avril Palmer-Baunack this morning and the email has been leaked to Car Dealer.

The company has been approached for comment.

In the email bulletin to staff, she said: ‘Martin Casha joined Marshall Motor Group in 2023 with the objective of leading the business to a position of readiness to initiate the next phase of our growth within the framework of the Constellation Retail division.

‘Having successfully led Marshall Motor Group through this transition, Martin has taken the decision to retire from the business at the end of March 2025, coinciding with his milestone 65th birthday.

‘On behalf of the entire Constellation Automotive Group, I would like to thank Martin for bringing his unrivalled automotive retail experience to bear in improving processes and performance, together with assembling a robust and experienced leadership structure across the Marshall business.’

Last year, Marshall Motor Group profits plummeted 62% to £16.4m, down from £42.9m the year before, accounts revealed. Revenue was broadly similar for the year ended March 31, 2024, at £3.6bn, down from £3.7bn in 2023.

Palmer-Baunack’s email added: ‘As a result of Martin’s decision, we will implement a new Constellation Retail Division Management Board structure which will be led by Gary Savage as CEO and James Mullins as CFO.

‘James has performed a number of key roles for Constellation Automotive Group over the past three years and will now take on the role of CFO, Constellation Retail Division, to work alongside Gary to deliver on the group’s strategy for its retail division.

‘The Constellation Retail board will then be supported by an operational management team for the retail division that will include members from both Cinch and Marshall. Both the Cinch and Marshall brands will be retained.’

Savage retired from his role as CEO of Mercedes in June last year and was appointed a director of Constellation Retail Limited, a dormant company owned by Constellation, on November 1.

His appointment as a director was made on the same day as Casha and James Mullins.

Constellation Automotive Group CEO Avril Palmer-Baunack was appointed a director of the same company in August 2024.

Palmer-Baunack’s email to staff added: ‘We are confident that with this new structure, we will be best placed to optimise the strengths of both the Marshall and Cinch brands so that we continue to deliver value to our customers and partners.

‘Once again, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Martin for his commitment and support since joining us in 2023.’

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Video: Can we buy anything with Mike Brewer’s help at new car auction?

Buying cars at a physical auction can be a daunting experience – especially if you’re new to the motor trade.

However, for our trip to the new G3 Vehicle Auctions site at Bedford we had some experienced help in the shape of Used Car Awards host and Wheeler Dealer star Mike Brewer to show us around.

The site’s inaugural sale took place last Monday (Jan 6) and we were there to try and buy some stock for the Clever Car Collection.

G3 bought the Bedford site from the failed online used car dealer Cazoo when it snapped up its wholesale arm in a deal that saw 28 employees transfer across last May.

The site is big enough to feel busy but small enough not to overwhelm and has been smartened up nicely by the auction business.

Bedford’s sister site at Castleford is seriously impressive and there are plans to keep investing in Bedford as the sales develop.

Since buying it from Cazoo, the G3 team has been busy transforming the former prep centre into an auction hall and last Monday nearly 300 cars went under the hammer.

In our special video – which you can watch above – we got some advice from Brewer, and some other seasoned auction pros, to help us try and (finally) win something.

The day started with running the auction catalogue through some AI filters to work out which fit our stock profile.

We wanted cars with some service history, in decent condition and as close to being ready to retail as possible. And yes, we know, that’s what everyone else wants as well.

The shortlist was quickly whittled down to around 10 cars and Brewer helpfully walked around the site with us to see whether they were worth a bid.

G3 has a range of vendors, but the majority appear to be from finance companies that have repossessed cars. There was a mix of stock – everything from full fat Range Rovers to damp Volvo V70s.

We selected a range of Korean cars (typical Clever Car Collection fodder) including two Sportages, a Hyundai i20 and i10 and a Volvo V40.

We checked over the reports on the listings from the auction house, interrogated the MOT history and then gave the cars a good look over in the lanes. Some were quickly discounted after a glance over and that’s the nice thing about a physical sale – you can actually see the cars up close, in person.

When it came to bidding time we were a little nervous, but felt a little more prepared than the last time we tried it. A year ago we headed to Manheim’s Colchester auction and came away empty handed so this was a chance to finally win something.

With Brewer’s advice ringing in our ears we hit the auction hall and tried our best to secure some stock. Most cars went for well outside of our budget – the sort of retail ready stock we were looking at went well over Cap estimates – but we did get lucky with one.

I won’t spoil the video and tell you which one we bought, but I am pleased to say we did at least come away with something.

I really enjoyed the day at G3. Physical sales are a lot of fun, if a little nerve wracking, but it makes for an interesting day.

You can see the video above and subscribe to our YouTube channel for notifications of when we post new videos.

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Ford Fiesta was the used car most listed in Carwow auctions last year

The Ford Fiesta has retained its title as the most listed car on Carwow’s auction platform for the the second consecutive year.

It was specifically 2016 models of the small hatchback that people were looking to sell the most, and Carwow reports the number listed of this age of Fiesta grew by 70% compared to 2023.

The Fiesta appeared twice in the top 10, with the 2019 model also reaching number nine.

In second place was the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, followed by the 2018 and 2016 Mercedes A-Class in third and fourth.

Most listed cars in Carwow auctions 2024

2016 Ford Fiesta
2016 Volkswagen Golf
2018 Mercedes A-Class
2016 Mercedes A-Class
2017 Fiat 500
2014 Ford Focus
2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2016 BMW 3-Series
2019 Ford Fiesta
2014 Volkswagen Polo

Carwow also analysed the most viewed used car listings, showing which models were the most popular with consumers looking to purchase.

The Volvo XC40 was the most popular in 2024, followed by the Kia Sportage, Tesla Model 3 and Range Rover Evoque.

Most viewed used cars on Carwow 2024

Volvo XC40
Kia Sportage
Tesla Model 3
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Hyundai Tucson
Volkswagen Tiguan
Toyota Yaris
Nissan Qashqai
Ford Kuga
Volkswagen Golf

Sally Foote, chief commercial officer – Sell My Car at Carwow, said: ‘It’s great to see so many of the UKs most popular cars available for dealers to acquire from our daily online auctions.

‘Since launching in 2021, dealers have purchased nearly 200,000 cars from Carwow to replenish their forecourts.

‘With around 20,000 cars listed in our auctions each month, we have everything from Fords to Ferraris and in between.

‘This variety, coupled with some of the industry’s lowest buyer fees, enables dealers to find the best deals when acquiring quality used stock, which they can then advertise to millions of active consumers across Carwow and Auto Express.’

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Hedin Automotive blames agency sales and UK recession for £7.6m pre-tax loss

Dealer group Hedin Automotive has blamed Mercedes-Benz’s agency sales model and recession in the UK among other reasons for it finishing 2023 with a £7.6m pre-tax loss.

The business, which is a subsidiary of the Swedish motor retail giant Hedin Mobility Group, turned over £211.5m for the year ended December 31, 2023, generating a gross profit of £31.6m, latest accounts show.

However, operating losses came to £4.06m, pre-tax losses totalled £7.6m; EBITA was a £4.1m loss while net assets were valued at £4.76m.

The company blamed its loss-making performance on Mercedes-Benz adopting the agency sales model, the UK entering recession in the second half of half of 2023, ‘new systems and procedures’, initial closure of its Mercedes businesses for staff training after acquisition, and a bad debt provision of £1.97m.

Chief executive Anders Hedin said: ‘2023 was a challenging year for us due to the economic climate, our business model transition, and unexpected financial setbacks.

‘However, we remain confident that our strategic investments will yield positive results in the long run.’

In April 2023, Hedin Automotive snapped up four dealerships from Mercedes-Benz Retail Group. One of those was the German car maker’s halo Brooklands site at Mercedes-Benz World, which Hedin now uses as its registered office.

The Mercedes-Benz Retail Group deal came in the same week as Hedin making a £400m move to acquire Pendragon, which later fell through.

Hedin shakes up its UK leadership team following acquisition of Stephen James Group

In late 2023, Hedin further expanded its UK footprint by purchasing BMW and Mini dealer group Stephen James.

Commenting on the outlook for 2024, CEO Hedin said: ‘In the initial 2024 trading period, the group reports stronger sales volumes in all areas and has completed a full cost review which will significantly reduce the group’s cost base moving forward.

‘Whilst there will be initial costs of implementing the cost base realignment we expect to be trading profitably by the end of 2024.’

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Peugeot and Fiat get new UK bosses as Stellantis reshuffles leadership team

Stellantis has announced a major shake-up of its UK leadership team with Peugeot and Fiat both getting new bosses.

The carmaker has confirmed a raft of changes to its top team, as it looks to move on from the departure of long-standing CEO Carlos Tavares.

First up, Nicola Dobson has been appointed as Peugeot managing director, having previously held the position of pre-owned director for Stellantis UK.

A business and French graduate, Dobson has worked in various aftersales, distribution, sales and marketing roles since joining Stellantis.

She replaces outgoing Peugeot MD, Eurig Druce (pictured), who has become group managing director with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Giuseppe Cava has been made managing director for Fiat, Fiat Professional & Abarth, having most recently been UK marketing director for the brands.

He takes over from Damien Dally who will now focus solely on Leapmotor as brand director for the UK.

Elsewhere, Nick Richards has been appointed pre-owned vehicles director and Tom Ray takes on the title of B2B director.

The quintet of Cava, Dobson, Richards, Ray and Dally have all worked for Stellantis for several years and will now report to Druce in their new roles.

Commenting on the changes, Druce said: ‘I would like to warmly congratulate Nicola, Giuseppe, Nick, Tom and Damien on their new roles.

‘I am delighted to be able to build from the talent within our group and I wish them every success in delivering our Dare Forward 2030 commitments, working alongside our highly valued retailer partners.’

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Mercedes reports drop in global sales for 2024 but bosses insist year was a success

Mercedes saw global car sales drop last year amid dwindling demand in key markets.

Figures published by the German marque last week show that Mercedes-Benz Group sold a combined 2.39m cars around the world in 2024.

The figure represented a drop of 4% on 2023 with struggles in key markets, such as China and Germany, negatively impacting the results.

Breaking down the sales by segment, Mercedes was hit by a 14% drop in sales of its ‘high-end’ models, shifting 281,500 units throughout the year.

The brand’s ‘core’ product, did perform well – rising 6% to 1.16m units – but entry level stock failed to shift, resulting in a 14% slump in sales to 534,800.

The brand failed to match 2023’s sales in multiple markets including in Europe (down 3% to 641,800 units) and Asia (down 7% to 892,100 units).

In its home market of Germany, Mercedes sold a total of 213,500 cars, representing a slide of 9% on the previous year. Meanwhile, in China, sales dropped 7% to 683,600 units.

Some rare good news did come in North America, where Mercedes saw a rise in sales of 8% to 365,400 – the vast majority of which (324,500 units) were sold in the USA, where sales rose by 9%.

However, global sales of battery-electric cars (BEVs) dropped by 23% to 185,100 vehicles, which could result in significant fines should the trend continue.

Despite the bruising results, there was some cause for optimism, with both top-end and core stock enjoying increased sales in the final quarter of the year.

The overall Q4 result of 625,800 units was also the best quarter of the year, despite being 2% on the same period in 2023.

Reacting to the figures, Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said: ‘In 2024, Mercedes-Benz once again demonstrated the power of our brand and the depth of our broad product offering.

‘This culminated in strong sales of our top-end and core vehicles in the fourth quarter. We continue to consistently strengthen our portfolio with the biggest product offensive in our company’s history starting this year with the all-new CLA.’

Britta Seeger, Mercedes’ board member responsible marketing and sales, added: ‘We finished the year with a strong sales quarter, especially with our Top-End vehicles and the G-Class in particular.

‘I want to explicitly thank our customers for their continued trust and loyalty in our brand and I look forward to the world premiere of our all-new CLA models with cutting-edge technology and stunning design.’

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What should petrolheads be looking out for at this year’s Brussels Motor Show?

The new year is not even two weeks old yet but already the automotive industry has been flexing its collective muscles and showing off its latest new offerings.

Earlier this week, we brought you our list of the most exciting automotive developments on show at the CES in Las Vegas but that is not the only show which carmakers have been focussing on.

Also returning in 2025 – after a year-long absence – is the Brussels Motor Show, which got underway on Friday (Jan 10).

The event runs until next Sunday (Jan 19) and represents a chance for petrolheads to get their first looks at the models of the future.

This year, a host of new battery-electric vehicles are to make an appearance at the show, ranging from the budget end of the market, right up to the luxury and executive class.

SUVs are still the most popular choice of car but what can you expect if you decide to visit the show.

Here is the list of what to look out for…

Renault Twingo concept

We’ve already seen Renault’s dinky Twingo concept, but Brussels is where the firm revealed its interior layout.

Taking its design cues from the original car of the early 1990s, the Twingo has been given a translucent bubble for a hazard warning light switch and seatback knobs inspired by skateboard wheels. It also has a variety of different storage areas dotted about the place including under the dashboard and in between the front seats.

The Twingo is set to take on the Dacia Spring, with prices to be under £17,000 when the car goes on sale. However, at this stage, it’s still not decided whether Renault will bring the model over to the UK.

Mazda6e

The second EV in Mazda’s line-up and the return of the ‘6’ name to the firm. The Mazda6e will be available to buy in the UK from early 2026 along with a choice of two different battery packs and two trim levels to choose from.

Its design features frameless doors and integrated door handles, while at the back there is brand-specific lettering and a full-width lightbar.

Mazda claims that the 68.8kWh battery can do up to 300 miles on a single charge, whereas the larger 80kWh unit can do up to 345 miles.

Suzuki e Vitara

Better late than never, Suzuki has finally arrived at the EV party with its first ever fully-electric offering: the e Vitara.

This new model is built in conjunction with Toyota, and will utilise the same ‘Heartect-e’ platform, battery, chassis and interior as the new Toyota Urban Cruiser.

The e Vitara will go on sale here in the UK in the summer and will be offered with a choice of two battery packs being a 49kWh unit or a larger 61kWh that Suzuki claims can travel up to 250 miles between trips to the plug.

DS No 8

DS is showcasing its latest and most luxurious model yet with the No 8. This will be the first model released under the brand’s new numbered naming strategy and will be available only as an EV.

The car features a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as an x-shaped steering wheel design.

Underneath its skin, you’ll find the same underpinning as in Peugeot’s E-3008, meaning the car comes with a 73kWh or a 97kWh battery pack, which the latter has a claimed electric driving range of up to 466 miles.

Skoda Enyaq

Already one of the best electric SUVs on the market, the Skoda Enyaq, has just been given an extensive makeover.

The big Skoda now utilises the firm’s latest design language it calls ‘Modern Solid’ which includes brand-specific lettering on the bonnet as well as an illuminated front end.

Equipment levels have been improved with all cars now featuring heated front seats and steering wheel, tri zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.

The new Enyaq will be made available with the same two battery packs with a choice of three power configurations. The 59kWh unit can do a claimed 268 miles from its electric motor and produces 201bhp. The larger 77kWh battery pack with electric motor can return a claimed 365 miles and produces 282bhp.

BYD Atto 2

BYD’s rapidly expanding vehicle line-up now includes the new Atto 2, which will be rivaling cars like the new Vauxhall Frontera.

Although prices are yet to be revealed, they should be competitive. Under the bonnet, from launch, there will be a 45.1kWh battery pack and electric motor that BYD claims can run up to 194 miles on a single charge. Later down the line there will be the option of a larger battery pack with increased range.

The Atto 2 will sit beneath the bigger Atto 3 and above the smaller Dolphin in the firm’s line-up with the car expected to go on sale in February this year.

The post What should petrolheads be looking out for at this year’s Brussels Motor Show? appeared first on Car Dealer Magazine.

Rumours suggest changes at the top of Marshall Motor Group are afoot

Rumours are circulating in the motor trade that Marshall Motor Group boss Martin Casha may be about to leave his post.

Constellation Automotive Group – the ultimate parent company of the franchised dealer group – refused to comment when asked if Casha was remaining in his post when contacted by Car Dealer.

Several sources have told Car Dealer that Casha was due to vacate the position he took up in July 2023 imminently.

Car Dealer has not been able to reach Casha for comment.

Sources in the motor trade believe former Mercedes UK boss Gary Savage is set to take over a combined retail group for Constellation.

Savage retired from his role as CEO of Mercedes in June last year and was appointed a director of Constellation Retail Limited, a dormant company owned by Constellation, on November 1.

The appointment was published on the Companies House website (below).

His appointment as a director was made on the same day as Casha and James Mullins.

Constellation Automotive Group CEO Avril Palmer-Baunack was appointed a director of the same company in August 2024.

Sources believe that Constellation could now combine the Marshall Motor Group and used car business Cinch under this dormant company with Savage at the head.

When asked previously if this would mean a name change for Marshall Motor Group the firm said this would not be the case.

Constellation has been contacted for further comment.

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HPL Motors announces fourth used car supermarket site in Stockport

North west-based used car supermarket group HPL Motors has opened its fourth store in Stockport.

The new location, on St Mary’s Way, holds 250 units and brings the group’s total stock to 1300.

HPL Motors already has locations in Oldham, Preston and Atherton, and the new addition has also meant adding new staff to the growing business.

Scott Wilkinson, HPL Motors group operations manager, said: ‘HPL are excited to announce the opening of their fourth site in Stockport. This will take our group stock to 1300, with Stockport holding 250 units for sale.

‘With 33 years of successful trading in the North West, we have established ourselves as a well-known leader in the region, and this expansion is a strategic move to further grow our customer base. Backed by Marubeni Auto Investment UK, we are confident that the timing is perfect for this growth.’

The group published its accounts earlier this week for the 17 months ending March 31, 2024, which showed increased profit since gaining the backing from Marubeni.

Wilkinson told Car Dealer: ‘After a 12-month search for a new store, we immediately recognised the incredible potential of this site due to its size and prime location.

‘The site required some superficial improvements and additional infrastructure, we swiftly collaborated with our contractors to implement these changes, allowing us to serve our customers ahead of schedule.

‘The final jigsaw piece was bringing on board an exceptional team of staff for this location, which we trained at our Oldham store ahead of the new site opening.

‘This approach ensures they uphold our high standards of customer care in line with HPL values from the start. With this new acquisition, we are confident that 2025 will be another great year for HPL as we continue on our journey of growth.’

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Briefing: Car sales winners and losers of 2024; Peter Vardy and Cinch’s big losses

Car Dealer editor in chief James Baggott’s weekly briefing for time poor motor trade bosses is back for 2025.

The Car Dealer Weekly Briefing summarises this week’s major news on Subtack – but you need to be a subscriber to read it.

In his newsletter this week, he looks at the winners and losers in the 2024 car sales charts. As VW seals its place as the UK’s most popular brand, which other firms cracked 2024?

There’s also news of used car dealer Cinch’s losses topping £100m once again, Peter Vardy’s business drops drastically into the red and why do Chinese consumers love electric cars so much?

Also featured in this week’s briefing:

HPL’s impressive numbers
ZEV Mandate
Ford Puma tops charts
Honda’s 0 Series
Brayley’s new boss
Steven Eagell profits slashed
Auto Trader’s predictions

To read the weekly briefing, you need to be a subscriber on Substack.

Subscriptions to the Substack newsletter cost £10 per month, or £100 per year, and there are discounts for companies who want multiple subscriptions for their staff.

You can sign up to read your first newsletter for free today – visit the Substack website and subscribe.

There’s also a list of the top 10 most popular stories on the CarDealerMagazine.co.uk website this week which always makes for interesting reading as you can see what has piqued everyone else’s interest too.

Find it on the Substack website now.

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