Caffyns plc Caffyns plc operates as a franchised motor retailer in southeast England, primarily across Sussex and Kent, through 14 dealerships focused on the sale of new and used vehicles; aftersales services including maintenance, repairs, parts, tires, oil, and accessories; personal and business leasing solutions; and Motability scheme vehicles. The company represents premium and premium-volume brands such as Audi, CUPRA, Lotus, MG, SEAT, Skoda, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, and Volvo, alongside non-franchised used car operations under Caffyns Motorstore and Caffyns Motorstore Performance. Founded in 1865 and headquartered in Eastbourne, United Kingdom, Caffyns plc maintains a strong asset base with most dealership premises as freeholds and targets retail, small business, and fleet customers in its regional markets.
In the financial year ended March 31, 2024, Caffyns plc reported revenue growth of 4% to £262.1 million, driven by 5% higher new car unit deliveries and 2% increased used car sales, though profitability declined to an underlying pretax loss of £0.6 million amid used car price corrections, elevated energy costs, and inflationary pressures. The company redeveloped its Volvo dealership in Worthing to manufacturer standards, added the CUPRA brand to its Tunbridge Wells SEAT/Skoda site, transitioned certain franchises like Volvo to agency sales models, progressed the potential sale of its Lewes freehold property, and extended a key lease while installing additional electric vehicle charging points. Net bank borrowings rose to £11.3 million with gearing at 39%, supported by undrawn facilities from HSBC and Volkswagen Bank, as the defined-benefit pension scheme deficit widened to £10.0 million.