Lookers

Lookers is a car dealership chain in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It represents many motor brands and is based in Stretford, Manchester. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

History

The Lookers Group was established in 1908, by John Looker. It was based in Manchester, and dealt with the sale of bicycles, parts, accessories. In 1910, the business joined forces, to create Lookers Ltd. Until World War I, Lookers Ltd was primarily a Ford dealer, which thrived to such an extent. In 1911, the garage in Hardman Street had to be completely rebuilt, to accommodate the business generated by Ford.

In 1918, the business was appointed a distributor of Austin Motor Company. It continued to grow throughout Lancashire and Cheshire, through the acquisition of a number of garages. Lookers and Austin became very closely associated such that the slogan "Lookers is Austin" lasted for many years. The business continued to prosper until World War II, in 1939. This was when the Austin factory was committed to the war effort, and there were hard times throughout the country. In the 1960s, the first major acquisition occurred, when the group moved into Yorkshire.