Industry News
International Motors Ltd (IML) implements UK managerial restructure to support business development plans
International Motors Ltd (IML) is renowned for its services as a distributor for automotive manufacturers in the UK, Irish and Northern European markets. The business has operated for nearly 50 years, building a solid reputation for success with brands like Hyundai, Daihatsu, Subaru, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK and now pure electric vehicle brand, GWM ORA.
With huge technological development in the automotive industry and the recent boom in electric vehicle sales, vehicle manufactures and especially new entrants, are seeking faster routes to market and new ways to reach their customer base efficiently.
With this in mind, IML are now actively looking to expand their automotive business in 2023 and beyond – offering its distributor services and automotive expertise to additional brands looking to enhance their operations.
Leading IML is newly appointed Managing Director, William Brown, who has over 26 years’ experience in the automotive industry, most recently leading the Isuzu operations for IML.
Speaking about IML’s new strategic approach, William commented: “As a business, we understand that the automotive landscape has changed and continues to evolve, this can be both a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers. IML’s new strategic focus is to provide a support structure for manufacturers that helps them tailor a solution to perfectly address their unique market challenges, while leveraging our infrastructure and expertise to maximise opportunity.”
IML has recently launched new electric vehicle brand GWM ORA into the UK market, which is a result of an on-going and lengthy relationship with its Chinese parent company Great Wall Motor. This exciting new brand now has even Sales and Service hubs plus an additional 13 Service Centres across the UK and Northern Ireland, operated by Peter Vardy, Wessex Garages, Lookers Group, Chorley Group, City West Country, and Charles Hurst Group.
As part of IML’s UK managerial restructure, Toby Marshall has been appointed as Managing Director for GWM ORA UK.
Speaking about IML’s launch of GWM ORA, Toby commented: “This exciting new brand is a perfect of example of how IML can add value to manufacturers, cutting out the massive costs associated with a direct route to market approach. Our in-house team of experts have years of experience working with both established brands and start-ups which means we’ve got the market knowledge and resource to launch and manage brands efficiently.”
In addition to the launch of GWM ORA, IML has also recently managed the UK launch of Subaru’s new all-electric SUV, the Solterra. IML has worked with Subaru for over 45 years and is now a trusted partner providing brand management, consultancy and strategic product development across multiple markets.
Alan Able, previously Brand Director for Isuzu UK operations, will now assume the role of Managing Director for Isuzu UK – one of IML’s oldest and fastest growing brands within the UK. With over 36 years of distribution experience with Isuzu UK, IML has helped propel the Isuzu D-Max to new heights, winning countless awards and achieving exponential sales growth.
Commenting on the growth of ISUZU UK, Alan Able, Managing Director, commented: “IML has a very close relationship with the ISUZU brand and over the years we have become a crucial player in the success of the brand globally. In 2023 and beyond, IML’s experience with new energy brands will provide key support once again as ISUZU develops it’s electrification plan.”
With increasing customer demand for new energy vehicles and a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, IML is perfectly positioned to provide a range of flexible automotive services as well as full brand distribution and management.
*Article Source https://www.imgroup.co.uk/international-motors/