Highland car sales veteran says industry is entering an exciting period with the drive for electric power
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SALES director Jim Mackenzie notches up 25 years with motor group Dicksons in the Highland capital this month – but he thinks the next chapter could be one of the industry’s most significant yet.
The former RAF man, who previously worked in air traffic control, believes we are at an exciting time in the industry with the changeover to all-electric before 2030.
And with Dicksons ahead of the electric curve – about 20 per cent of its Kia and MG car sales now electric compared to a UK figure of about 10 per cent for new car sales – he anticipates increased demand well ahead of the deadline.
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“It’s an exciting time in our industry as we embark on one of the most significant changes we have seen,” Mr Mackenzie said. “We have been preparing for it for some time at Dicksons, and we are well placed to see it through.
“We ensure all of our employees are fully-trained electric specialists as we anticipate greater public demand over the course of the next few years.
“I think that the all-electric side of the business will grow rapidly to over 40 per cent of Kia and MG Sales over the next five years. Nissan is increasing too.”
Mr Mackenzie spent 12 years in the RAF before settling in Kirriemuir, Angus, and joining Weir Citroen, part of the John Martin Group in 1995 as a sales executive. He recalled: “My MD from John Martin relocated to Inverness and shortly afterwards asked me to move up north in 1997 and manage the Honda site at Dicksons.
“I spent several years managing Honda, Hyundai, Subaru and Daihatsu and then was asked to move into Nissan and sales manage all of our sites.
“During this period we changed a couple of franchises and we now have Kia, Nissan, MG and Suzuki. After a couple of years as general sales manager I was invited to join the board of directors and have held my current role for over 10 years.
“I have a keen interest in the marketing of the company and with the rise in digital platforms this has increased, and I still enjoy this part of the job.”
Dicksons employs about 70 staff at its Carsegate Road base.
