Beyond reports on the success of Ilkley Motor Company and their growing reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable car dealerships in the region.

When it comes to selling cars, David Graves knows his stuff and goes the extra mile to make sure his customers not only get a first-class car but a first-class service.

It is that attention to detail that makes his business, Ilkley Motor Company stand out from so many other car dealerships and which has made it such a popular and trusted choice in the town and beyond for nearly 20 years.

Located in a beautiful vaulted red-brick building in the heart of Ilkley, the showroom is bursting with an eclectic mix of cars ranging from gleaming classic cars to a wealth of everyday motors including SUVs, first-time run-a-rounds and family hatchbacks.

As somebody who is as equally passionate about cars as he is about Ilkley, David has spent a lifetime in the motor industry and believes it is that experience coupled with his local knowledge and commitment to the town that makes his work so rewarding.

Having lived in Ilkley for the past 25 years, David prides himself on not only buying and selling cars but also sourcing specific vehicles for everybody from first-time buyers to collectors of prestige vintage cars.

Talking about the business, David says: “We do so much more than just sell cars and thanks to our years in the industry, we are able to successfully find vehicles for our customers utilising our car trade knowledge and vast number of contacts.

“Ilkley is a small, friendly town and I always wanted to provide a car showroom with a difference and not just a ‘regular dealership’ showroom where salespeople who have no real interest in their customers are purely chasing targets.

“Having lived here for so long I am fully invested in the community and I’m delighted to be able to offer people an opportunity to shop locally for their next car. Providing that service and the follow-up aftercare we give is hugely reassuring to customers and we pride ourselves on not just selling cars but delivering a service that is second to none.”

Having been in the motor trade since he was 16, David enjoyed spells at Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW and Porsche dealerships before setting up on his own in 2008. Since then the business has flourished and in 2017 it moved into its current location – the former site of Lessian Motors on Little Lane which David brought back to life following a stylish and sympathetic refurbishment.

Working alongside David in the showroom is Russell Norman, a former colleague at Porsche, who provides a deep knowledge and understanding of customers’ requirements.

David added: “Between us we are able to offer a service which is quite unique and while we are able to source everything from a classic Porsche to a top of the range Bentley, we are also specialists in vehicles for everyday driving including first-time cars, SUVs and VW camper vans.”

And in a day and age when the trend for buying cars from a local dealer has returned, David says it is that personal service and reassurance that people are seeking especially after the dark days of Covid when so many vehicles were bought on line.

A recent study by What Car? reported that 75% of car buyers are now planning to purchase their next car from a local dealer citing it was important to support their local showrooms and garages.

David said: “This year we have definitely seen a shift with more people looking to buy locally and while the pandemic undoubtedly changed the way consumers were able to buy cars online, it was very much born out of necessity and not necessarily how they want to buy a car.

“People want to view a car up close and have the reassurance of somebody who is not just chasing profit but has their best intertest at heart and that is something here at Ilkley Motor Company we always strive to deliver.”

And David is confident that if you’re selling your car he’ll also be able to beat any online price you are given due to the demand he has from customers.

He said: “We are always on the look out for cars and if you are thinking of selling, pop down and see me first because I’m convinced I’ll be able to give you a better price than any online quotes, and the kettle is always on for a friendly chat or any advice you need.”

Ilkley Motor Company, 25 Little Lane, Ilkley LS28 8HX
T: 01943 607111
W: ilkleymotorcompany.co.uk