Is Big Motoring World eyeing the former CarStore site in Coventry?
Is Big Motoring World planning to take over the former CarStore site in Coventry? Find out the latest expansion rumours and leadership changes.
Big Motoring World appears poised to add another venue to its growing network of used‑car supermarkets, with reports that it is considering the former CarStore lot in Coventry.
Potential acquisition of the former CarStore lot
The site on Old Church Road operated under the CarStore banner from June 2017 until August 2024. After the US‑based Lithia Group discontinued the CarStore brand, the premises have remained idle. Multiple sources have told Car Dealer that Big Motoring World is now evaluating a move onto this location, suggesting the company sees strategic value in expanding its footprint within the Midlands.
Leadership and shareholder dynamics
The pursuit of the Coventry site is reportedly being led by Chief Executive Laurence Vaughan. Vaughan has previously overseen the purchase of several ex‑CarShop locations from his former employer, Sytner, demonstrating experience in converting rival sites into Big Motoring World outlets. However, insiders close to former boss Peter Waddell claim the long‑time shareholder has been "left in the dark" over the deal, despite retaining his status as the company’s largest shareholder.
Recent governance changes at Big Motoring World
These expansion talks come weeks after a reshuffle at the top of the business. Vaughan was replaced as chairman by Fraser Pearce, a specialist in complex restructuring cases. On the same day, director Reza Fardad exited the group following a High Court ruling that found he had breached his duties in relation to Waddell’s removal. The court’s decision has been covered extensively, with detailed analysis available in Car Dealer’s recent articles.
Growth record and future outlook
Big Motoring World has highlighted that 2026 delivered record growth, taking its national presence to eleven sites after adding a facility in Warrington in May. In a statement to Car Dealer, the company said it “continues to evaluate opportunities to expand its reach in key locations across the UK” but was not prepared to announce any new openings at this stage.
The combination of a robust growth trajectory, a seasoned CEO with prior acquisition experience, and recent boardroom reshuffles suggests that the Coventry prospect could be a logical next step in the firm’s expansion strategy. Whether the deal proceeds will depend on negotiations with Lithia and the response of shareholders such as Peter Waddell.
What this means for the used‑car market
Should Big Motoring World secure the former CarStore site, the Coventry region could see increased competition among large‑scale used‑car retailers. The move would also reinforce the trend of consolidating independent lots under national supermarket‑style operators, a pattern evident across the UK over the past few years.
For industry observers, the situation raises a key question: will the acquisition cement Big Motoring World’s status as a leading nationwide used‑car network, or will shareholder disputes hinder its ambitions?
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