Smiths Motor Group

Smiths Motor Group: family-run car and van dealership in Peterborough and Ilkeston

Smiths Motor Group is a car and van dealership group with more than 85 years of activity, owned and managed by the founding family. Its origins date back to 1940, when Frank Smith founded F. P. Smith (Holdings) Ltd, and since then it has maintained its presence in Peterborough and the surrounding area, with dealerships also in Ilkeston. The company presents itself as a family business serving customers in Peterborough, Ilkeston and nearby areas of the East Midlands.

Brands represented

The group sells new and used vehicles from the Dacia, Hyundai, Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall brands. Its offering covers both cars and vans, and includes electric vehicles in its catalogue. The company describes itself as an official dealership for these brands and offers the full range of sales and aftersales services associated with each one.

New and used vehicle sales

The company offers new and used vehicles from the brands it represents. The purchase process can be carried out online or at the dealership: customers can reserve or buy online, choose to collect in store or request home delivery of the vehicle. The website includes a vehicle search with filters by make, model and type of offer, and at the time of analysis it showed an inventory of 4,613 vehicles in the UK. Financing options with monthly payments are also offered, along with a tool to check finance eligibility with no impact on your credit score.

Aftersales, servicing and MOT

The group has manufacturer-trained teams who use up-to-date tools and diagnostic equipment for the servicing and repair of cars and vans. Aftersales services include servicing, mechanical repairs and genuine parts, and can be booked online 24 hours a day. The company also offers MOT testing and an essential servicing programme for all makes.

Accident repair

Smiths Motor Group has an insurer-approved accident repair centre in Peterborough, which handles everything from minor cosmetic work to major insurer-managed repairs. It uses genuine parts and approved paint, and is approved by the manufacturers Nissan, Renault, Hyundai, Dacia and Vauxhall. All repairs include a five-year guarantee and courtesy vehicles are available subject to availability. The centre is located on Sturrock Way.

Mobility and electric vehicles

The company offers the Motability Scheme, which makes it easier to access adapted vehicles for people with reduced mobility, with information on who can join and the adaptations available. In the area of electric mobility, the website includes sections on electric vehicles, myths, living with an electric vehicle, range and charging, as well as battery health checks.

Vehicle sales and finance

The group allows customers to sell their own vehicle through an online valuation, and offers finance through a credit broker that works with a panel of lenders, including manufacturer finance providers. The company acts as a credit broker and not as a lender, and receives commission for introductions made. Information about finance is presented in detail on the website.

Presence and business structure

Smiths Motor Group operates several locations under different company names. F.P. Smith Holdings (Newark Avenue) Limited trades as Smiths Dacia, Smiths Renault, Smiths Hyundai, Smiths of Peterborough and Smiths Motor Group; F.P. Smith Holdings (Ilkeston) Limited as Smiths of Ilkeston, Smiths Vauxhall and Smiths Motor Group; and F.P. Smith Motors Limited as Smiths Nissan, Smiths Vauxhall and Smiths Motor Group. All of them are Appointed Representatives of Automotive Compliance Ltd., authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 497010).