The Retail Automotive Alliance (RAA) has significantly stepped up its growth in 2018 with the addition of three new Members to its national network of Dealer Groups.

Paynes of Hinckley, Birchwood Motor Group, and Dinnages are the latest to join the growing business which was founded in 2005 by a small group of entrepreneurial motor retailers, taking the total to 23 Shareholder Members with over 220 sales outlets across the UK.

With a combined Member turnover of £2.9bn, the RAA has developed its business model by combining the individual purchasing requirements across a range of suppliers, from oil through to used car finance and insurance, and striking industry-leading deals that deliver considerable annual savings to the membership.

Selling over 220,000 new and used cars annually and representing 25 motor franchises, the RAA is the 5th largest automotive retailing organisation in the UK.

Paynes of Hinckley was established in 1907 and has been a Main Ford Dealer since 1922. The business remains family owned with current Directors from both the 3rd and 4th generation. Paynes also holds the Isuzu Truck franchise and are Iveco service agents.

Birchwood Motor Group is a privately-owned business based in the South East and has twelve sites representing five marques with Ford being the dominant brand. Founded in 2008, Birchwood is proud of its culture of engagement and progressive leadership strategy.

Dinnages is a family owned business with five Dealerships across Sussex and its HQ in Haywards Heath. Established in 1935, it operates a Ford Store & Transit Centre in Brighton and represents Renault and Volvo along with other Ford Dealerships along the south coast.

Commenting on his decision, Nigel Payne, Paynes Managing Director said,

“We are delighted to be part of the RAA and enjoy the benefits of scale that the group offers which enable us to be significantly more competitive than we could be alone.”

Asked about the other aspects of RAA Membership, Pete Parker, Managing Director of Birchwood said,

“It isn’t simply the commercial benefits that appeal to us, it is the opportunity to regularly meet with like-minded business owners in my industry and share experiences, thoughts and ideas and improve our own business as a result.”

John Matthews, the RAA’s Business Development Director, added,

“The RAA is all about its Members. We are very careful about appointing those who not only contribute to the scale and quality of our venture but who fit culturally into what we have created. Paynes, Birchwood, and Dinnages are exactly the type of businesses we are looking for as we continue to grow the membership and they have each been warmly welcomed by all.”