Automotive
Automotive businesses don’t stand still. Neither do we. We give clear, joined-up legal advice that supports how you operate today, and helps you grow with confidence.
The automotive sector is changing fast. New technologies, the shift to electric vehicles, tighter regulation and evolving distribution models are all reshaping how businesses operate and grow. In a landscape like this, getting the legal foundations right really matters.
We work with businesses across the automotive sector, including manufacturers, trade bodies, dealer groups, tier 1 suppliers and automotive professional services firms. That breadth gives us a clear view of how the different parts of the sector fit together – and where the real pressure points sit.
We support automotive businesses with the full range of legal issues they face day to day. Whether you’re buying or selling dealerships, managing a property portfolio or negotiating commercial agreements, we give clear, practical advice you can act on.
Our teams work closely together across corporate, real estate, employment, commercial and tech. That joined‑up approach means fewer gaps, faster decisions and solutions that work in practice – not just on paper.
We’re closely connected to the automotive sector and actively involved in the conversations shaping its future. We host an annual automotive law conference with The Motor Ombudsman.
How we can help
- Corporate transactions, including buying and selling automotive businesses and dealerships
- Property matters, including acquisitions, disposals and lease negotiations for sites and forecourts
- Commercial contracts, including supply, distribution and manufacturer agreements
- Employment advice, including workforce changes, TUPE and day-to-day HR support
- Banking and finance, including funding and refinancing
- Restructuring and exit planning
- Franchising, including franchise agreements, leases, dispute resolution and legal due diligence
Let’s talk about what’s next for your business.
If you’re navigating change in the automotive sector and want clear, practical legal advice, we’d love to help. Get in touch to start the conversation.
Key contacts
Our automotive experience
Advised a global vehicle manufacturer on UK and EU data protection compliance, including audits across subsidiaries, breach response, contract, and transfer issues, and ongoing DPO support, alongside work to future proof data use in connected electric vehicles.
Advising Formula One on their real estate portfolio, including acquisition of leases for storage and office space in the UK.
Advised a UK automotive distributor on data protection compliance, working with its in house DPO on privacy notices, cookies and consent following legal changes, and handling a complex employee DSAR using technology to filter data and manage exemptions.
Advised on multiple connected contracts concerning the defleet of leased vehicles. The contracts included a full end-of-lease process, including collection, remarketing and connected IT developments.
Advised a large UK automotive business on the development of a new electric vehicle service business. The advice included reviewing and advising on a potential acquisition opportunity to launch this new business.
Advised a global automotive business on its transition from a franchise distribution model to an agency model. The advice included guidance on competition law and commercial contracts. In addition, our team worked side by side with the client’s strategy team, helping to guide the implementation programme.
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Contact us
If you have a question or need advice, please let us know how we can help.
