Inside the 2026 Autotrader Retailer Awards
Every year, the Autotrader Retailer Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals raising the bar for automotive retail and this year was no exception.
Last week the very best in automotive across the UK came together in Manchester for the 2026 Autotrader Retailer Awards. The 2026 results celebrate not only commercial success, but also the retailers delivering outstanding customer experiences, investing in their people and driving positive change across the industry.
Now in their 19th year, the awards remain one of the most rigorous and respected awards in the automotive industry. With around 14,000 retailer partners assessed through a combination of data analysis, mystry shopping and independent judging, earning a place among the winners is no small feat with just 93 businesses making the final shortlist and only 31 ultimately crowned winners.
The Retailer of the Year winners
This year’s winners reflected the breadth of excellence across the automotive retail sector, spanning independent and franchise retailers, as well as businesses specialising in cars, vans and bikes. Those recognised demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver outstanding customer experiences, adapt to changing consumer expectations and drive strong results in increasingly competitive market conditions.
Among this year’s standout winners were Thame Cars, Acklam Cars and Carlingo, which took home the Independent Car Retailer of the Year awards in the small, medium and large categories respectively.
In the franchise categories, Horizon - Magna Motor Group, Sinclair Group and Vertu Motors plc were recognised for delivering outstanding results at scale, while Vines Group was named New Car Retailer of the Year.
The awards also shone a spotlight on businesses demonstrating excellence in specialist retail sectors. Bridgend Van Centre, Iver Van Sales and David Spear Commercials secured Van Retailer of the Year titles, whilst TH Motors, Carl Rosner and Vertu Motors plc were recognised in the bike categories
Customer experience winners
Delivering an outstanding customer experience remains one of the biggest differentiators for retailers today. The winners of this year’s Customer Experience Awards demonstrated a clear commitment to meeting customer expectations through fast responses, clear communication and a seamless buying journey.
Determined through Autotrader’s mystery shopping programme, the awards recognise retailers that consistently deliver exceptional service from initial enquiry through to purchase. The businesses recognise retailers that consistently deliver exceptional service from initial enquiry through to purchase. The businesses recognised this year set a benchmark for the industry, showing that customer-centricity continues to play a critical role in building trust, driving conversions and standing out in an increasingly competitive market.
Among those recognised were Bournemouth Car Sales, Frosts of Chichester and Carlingo in the independent car categories, alongside Hatfields, Brayleys Cars Ltd and Group 1 Automotive in the franchise sector.
The results reinforce a key takeaway for retailers across the industry: while stock, pricing and technology remain important, the quality of the customer experience continues to be a defining factor in business success.
Recognising impact beyond sales
This year’s awards also celebrated businesses creating positive change within their organisations and communities.
The businesses recognised demonstrated that success today is measured by more than sales alone. Long-term growth is increasingly being driven by strong leadership, innovation, social responsibility and a commitment to creating better outcomes for employees, customers and the wider community.
Q Performance Ltd received the inaugural Impact Award, recognising meaningful contributions beyond commercial performance. Elsewhere, Solo Car Sales took home the Momentum Award, Drive Green was recognised with the Sustainability Award, Grainger Motor Group won the People First Award and AZ Autos was named Game Changer of the Year.
Together, these awards highlight how success in automotive retail is increasingly being defined by culture, innovation, sustainability and long-term investment in people.
Woman of the Year: Amanda Spensley
One of the most inspiring moments of the evening saw Amanda Spensley, Managing Director of Wynyard Motor Company, named Woman of the Year.
Amanda was recognised for her leadership during an exceptionally challenging period for the business. After unexpectedly taking over the company, she successfully guided the organisation through change while strengthening processes, improving culture and laying the foundations for future growth.
Commenting on the award, Julia Muir, founder of the Automotive 30% Club, praised Amanda's "inspirational and resilient leadership", highlighting her commitment to both the business and its people.
As the automotive retail landscape continues to evolve, this year's winners demonstrate that long-term success is built on much more than stock and sales alone. Whether through delivering exceptional customer experiences, investing in their teams, embracing innovation or making a positive impact in their communities, each winner represents the very best of modern retailing. As Autotrader CEO Nathan Coe reflected, "Every year, these awards give us the chance to celebrate the retailers setting the pace across the automotive industry." The achievements of this year's winners not only deserve recognition but also provide inspiration for the wider industry as it continues to adapt and grow.
Congratulations to all the 2026 Autotrader Retailer Awards winners for setting the standard and inspiring the industry to keep raising the bar.
Full list of 2026 Winners
Independent Car Retailer of the Year: Thame Cars (small), Acklam Cars (medium), Carlingo (large)
Franchise Car Retailer of the Year: Horizon - Magna Motor Group (small), Sinclair Group (medium), Vertu Motors plc (large)
Van Retailer of the Year: Bridgend Van Centre (small), Iver Van Sales (medium), David Spear Commercials (large)
New Car Retailer of the Year: Vines Group
Impact Award: Q Performance Ltd
Momentum Award: Solo Car Sales
Sustainability Award: Drive Green
People First Award: Grainger Motor Group
Game Changer of the Year: AZ Autos
Woman of the Year: Amanda Spensley, Wynyard Motor Company
