Yamaha has added to its UK dealer network with the glitzy opening last night of a spanking new “supercentre” in Staverton, Gloucester.
The franchise involved an investment by the emerging Completely Motoring Group in excess of £1 million and features all the latest Yamaha visual identity (VI).
The partnership with Yamaha is the group’s second, having bought Skellerns of Worcester in September last year. A multi-franchise car sales group, the company added a used motorcycle operation, Completely Motorbikes, seven years ago. The motorcycle division is now the home to more than 350 new and used motorbikes across two sites.
The new Yamaha operation, between Cheltenham and Gloucester, also opens up sales potential in Bristol and Swindon, and group MD Rob Ayland, pictured, is excited at the prospects for future of the family business.
“There’s huge demand. You just have to look after people properly. There’s so much misery around at the moment but this expansion of our company is great news and we are looking forward to working with the manufacturer. Opportunities like this are generational and there are a lot of opportunities.”
Completely Motoring Group, which employs about 40, is run by Rob and his two sons, bike sales director James, 23, and car sales director George, 27. The used motorcycle side has grown and now has a stock of 250 machines worth £1.7 million. It sold 733 used motorcycles, worth £6 million, in 2019.
Last night’s charity gala opening evening was attended by MotoGP presenter Suzi Perry, top pic, Danny John-Jules of Strictly Come Dancing and ski-fi comedy series Red Dwarf, and Jason O’Halloran with his latest McAMS Yamaha race bike. Tony Congram from IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association which comprises all teams, major technical suppliers and sponsors participating in MotoGP) was also a guest and the plan was to raise in excess of £10,000 for the One Step at a Time charity for special needs children, by auctioning signed Rossi, Marc Marquez, and MotoGP memorabilia.
Full report and pictures of the opening in the next issue of BDN.