A group of used car dealers in the UK have launched a new Independent Motor Dealers Association. The (IMDA) is a not for profit trade body formed to look after the interests of non-franchised retailers.

Chairman of the new association is Jim Reid of Jim Reid Cars with David Bilsborough of Cheshire Cars as vice chairman, Stuart Saunders (Urban Car Company) secretary and Phil Weaver (Knickerbrook Cars) treasurer. Other founders include Umesh Samani of Specialist Cars), Chris Roach of Auto Trade Associates and Philip Nothard who is an automotive industry analyst. The association says it is already attracting significant potential members.

Vice Chairman David Bilsborough commented, "The IMDA has been formed with the mission of becoming the voice and support for the independent motor dealer. We believe that independent dealers deserve the right to have an association that will represent their interests. With the amount of change that the industry has seen and the amount yet to be seen it has never been needed more than at present.”