It’s been a year of massive transition for the Australian automotive sector. From the somber loss of one of South Australia’s most influential dealer principals to a flurry of consolidation across Victoria’s prestige landscape, the industry has spent 2025 reshuffling its deck for a new era of retail.
Here is your Autotalk Australia year-in-review for the top dealer and industry news – by readership numbers – of 2025.
1. Vale Richard Collins AM: Driving Force Behind Jarvis Group
The industry mourned the passing of Richard Collins AM this year, the visionary owner of the South Australian powerhouse, Jarvis Group. For over 40 years, Collins transformed a single Ford site into a multi-franchise empire and a benchmark for customer service. A titan of both the showroom and philanthropy, his legacy remains a cornerstone of the SA automotive community.
- Read the full story: Driving force behind Jarvis Group mourned by family, colleagues and charities
2. Jowett Motor Group (JMG) Elevates New C-Suite Leadership
Strategic growth has prompted a significant leadership reshuffle at Jowett Motor Group. Brett Jakes has officially stepped into the CEO role, succeeding group founder Tony Jowett, who remains Chairman. The move comes as JMG continues to expand its footprint with new brands like Geely and Zeekr, signaling a major push into the next-generation retail space.
- Read the full story: Jowett Motor Group (JMG) announces senior leadership changes
3. ASG Finalises $32.8M Acquisition of Barry Bourke Motors
In one of the year’s most significant Victorian deals, the ASX-listed Autosports Group (ASG) completed its acquisition of ten Barry Bourke Motors dealerships. The $32.8 million deal sees ASG take control of a diverse portfolio in Berwick and Doncaster—including Audi, Volvo, and JLR—further cementing its status as the nation’s premier prestige automotive retailer.
- Read the full story: Autosports Group to acquire Barry Bourke Motors dealerships in Victoria
4. Mercedes-Benz Consolidation Sweeps Across Melbourne
The luxury landscape in Victoria became even more concentrated this year as the Patterson Cheney-owned Mercedes-Benz Berwick and Waverley group expanded. By acquiring the Brighton and Mornington dealerships, Dealer Principal Tim Harty has created a formidable “Bayside to Southeast” luxury corridor, reflecting the ongoing trend of large-scale group consolidation.
- Read the full story: Mercedes-Benz dealership group expands across Melbourne
5. Honda Leadership: Jay Joseph Arrives as Carolyn McMahon Heads to NZ
Honda Australia entered a new chapter this year with Jay Joseph taking the reins as CEO and Director. Arriving with a wealth of experience from American Honda, Joseph succeeds Yoshitaka Okamoto. Meanwhile, industry veteran Carolyn McMahon has made history by crossing the Tasman to become the first female President of Honda New Zealand, ensuring a unified regional strategy for the brand.
- Read the full story: Joseph to lead Honda Australia as McMahon heads to NZ
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