hatfields dealership

Lithia UK Acquires Hatfields Group

 

At Lithia UK, one of the UK’s leading automotive retailers, we have confirmed that we have acquired Hatfields Group. The deal completed on 30th September 2025.

This purchase sees us acquire our first OMODA JAECOO store, alongside four Land Rover new car sales sites from the former family-run business. This brings our total Land Rover store count to 11, including sites also serving Jaguar clients with used car sales, servicing and repair workshops.

This move increases our presence in the North of England, with additional sites now in Hull, Liverpool, Pickering and Shrewsbury, reflecting our strategic network expansion plans.

Paul Westaway, Managing Director of Hatfields and Stratstone Exotics at Lithia UK, said: “Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar are consistently amongst the top performing luxury car brands in the UK, so it's fantastic that we have expanded our offering to more customers across the UK through this acquisition. We are honoured to welcome the Hatfields team into our Stratstone luxury and exotics division.”

Patrick McGillycuddy, Managing Director, JLR (UK), said: “We welcome Lithia UK’s acquisition of Hatfields Group, which marks a significant expansion of their retail footprint and cements their position as one of our largest UK partners. This move reflects Lithia’s continued confidence in the strength and appeal of our brands — Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar — and their commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

“Lithia’s investment and strategic growth are a powerful endorsement of JLR’s vision and the enduring desirability of our modern luxury portfolio. We look forward to building on this momentum together.”

As part of the acquisition, we will retain the Hatfields name, maintaining the reputation and recognition of the previously family-run business. We will also continue to employ all Hatfields colleagues, ensuring the highest level of service for both existing and new customers.

The OMODA JAECOO Hull store will move under our Evans Halshaw retail operation, which includes brands such as BYD, Ford, Vauxhall and more.

Gary Armstrong, Managing Director of Evans Halshaw, commented: “It’s fantastic to add Chery as a new OEM to the Evans Halshaw retail family with our first OMODA JAECOO store. As one of the fastest growing global automotive brands, we look forward to offering the all-electric OMODA and JAECOO vehicle ranges to both new and existing motorists.”

Established by Ernest Hatfield in 1922, Hatfields has built a strong reputation for selling quality cars and delivering excellent customer service. The business has received numerous OEM awards over its 100+ year history, including 1st place for Partner of the Year (Jaguar) in 2024.

Neil Williamson, Regional President of Lithia UK, added: “We are delighted to welcome Hatfields to Lithia UK. This acquisition aligns with our strategy to expand in targeted regions and strengthens our representation of JLR’s Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands. We look forward to welcoming new colleagues into the business and ensuring that the Hatfields’ excellent reputation continues for many years to come.”