10:52 am, December 18, 2025
Dealer group Barnetts has announced a major shake-up to its retail network after agreeing a ‘strategic realignment’ with rival firm John Clark Motor Group.
Barnetts, which is owned by Eastern Western Motor Group has represented Volkswagen in Dundee for 20 years but that is all set to change in the new year.
It has been confirmed that the VW franchise for the area will instead transfer to John Clark, which will base operations at its multi-brand site on Broomhill Road.
The retailer will also take over the running of Barnetts’ VW showroom in nearby St Andrews as part of the new agreement.
In return, Eastern Western will take on John Clark’s VW franchises in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline, in a major re-configuration of the brand’s network north of the border.
The Courier reports that no job losses will come as a result of the changes, with existing staff expected to be transferred to the new ownership.
The move is expected to come into effect from February, when Barnetts will also move its Dundee Honda and Chery operations to be based alongside its existing Nissan and Mazda showrooms.
Confirming the changes, Douglas Brown, CEO of Eastern Western Motor Group, said: ‘This change aligns perfectly with Volkswagen’s Ideal Network Plan and allows us to build on our successful representation of the brand in Fife through our Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy locations.
‘We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and continuing to deliver first-class service to our customers.
‘I am also delighted to relocate our Honda business, currently located in temporary premises on Dunsinane Avenue, and to introduce Chery to Dundee, both now taking up residence in separate showrooms at Riverside Drive, created from the space vacated by Volkswagen.’
Chris Clark, John Clark Motor Group managing director, added: ‘We have worked collaboratively with Eastern Western Motor Group and Volkswagen UK to ensure this network realignment benefits our customers and our teams.
‘This move strengthens our long-standing partnership with Volkswagen and reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences in Dundee and St Andrews.’
