THE boss of major Scottish car retailer Macklin Motors has told Road Record of his post-pandemic optimism.
Robert Forrester, the chief executive of parent company Vertu Motors, said he and staff were very keen about growing the Toyota franchise in the west of Scotland.
That has started with the opening of a showroom just a week ago in Darnley, in the south side of Glasgow, which is already pulling in plenty of customers.
Mr Forrester said: “Toyota is a very forward-thinking brand with technology and a global reach at its heart. As a result, it has a superb range of vehicles that we’re excited to showcase.
“It’s a great opportunity for Macklin Motors and we aim to develop the network during the next 18 months with Toyota dealerships in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and north of the Clyde in Glasgow.”
The boss also pointed to the firm’s developments with Renault, Dacia, Hyundai and Vauxhall in Dunfermline, Fife, as well as with Kia and MG in Edinburgh.
And he said all involved were encouraged by customer engagement on key internet and phone inquiry platforms, as well as the huge levels of footfall back into showrooms as the Covid crisis diminished.
In line with experiences across the industry, electric vehicles, used cars and vans were of particular interest, he noted.
Mr Forrester concluded: “With a good reputation thanks to having the right people in our team, we’re looking forward to further developing a successful business that delivers for customers and franchises.
“One thing is for certain – there is more to come in these exciting times for Macklin Motors.”
