Hamilton car dealer Geo Palmer Motors closes after 80 years

Thursday, 14 April 2016

'In the old days when you shook hands it was a deal. Now people change their minds and you can't do anything about it,' Jim Palmer says.

One of Hamilton's first car yards, Geo Palmer Motors, has shut up shop after 80 years in business.

Geo Palmer Motors closed on April 8.

Petrol company BP has bought the land to expand the Ulster St site.

Geo Palmer owner Jim Palmer, 74, said having practically grown up at the site, he was sad to see it go.

His father George Palmer started the business in 1936.

Formerly a Suzuki and Hyundai franchise, the yard has been importing and selling used cars for the few decades.

Jim Palmer took over the business in 1965.

The company had a good client base, but the industry had changed dramatically, he said.

'We've had good years and bad years, just like anybody else. People are not as loyal as they used to be.

'In the old days when you shook hands it was a deal. Now people change their minds and you can't do anything about it,' he said.

'When the Japanese imports came in, 25 or 30 years ago, that changed the whole used car market.

'With the cars being so reliable these days people don't change them like they used to.

Trade Me provided a good way to sell cars online, but had been less effective over the last 18 months.

'There are just so many vehicles on Trade Me and people are buying on price not on quality.'

Motor Trade Association chief executive Warwick Quinn said smaller, used car dealerships had been struggling with regulations and competing with private sellers.

'Customer expectations are also much higher.

He said it was a good time for new dealers.

Last year sales of new and used imported car sales reached a new high of 286,722 vehicles – resulting in the national fleet growing a net 4 per cent, according to MTA.