THE VOICE FOR INDEPENDENT MOTOR DEALERS IN THE UK

The IMDA

is the ONLY association for the independent motor dealers in the UK. Join us for FREE

About Us

The Independent Motor Dealers Association (The IMDA) is the UK’s only trade body dedicated exclusively to independent motor dealers. Established in November 2017 by six independent dealers and an industry expert, we have grown rapidly — today The IMDA is widely recognised as the go-to association for independent car, light commercial (LCV), and independent franchise motor dealers across the country.

Our mission? To give independent dealers a real, strong voice — and the practical support they need — in a competitive and constantly evolving automotive landscape.

Supplier Partners

IMDA Members

What We Do

We exist for Independent Motor Dealers — the backbone of the UK’s used car sector — who often face challenges that franchise dealer groups never experience. Independent dealers navigate regulatory hurdles, shifting legislation, compliance pressures, staffing demands, rising operational costs, and rapidly changing consumer expectations every single day, sometimes before the IMDA, without any support at all.

Representation & Influence

We actively lobby government bodies, regulators, industry bodies, and automotive related businesses on issues that directly impact Independent Motor Dealers — from tax changes and trade‑plate rules to business rates, compliance burdens, and wider motor‑trade legislation.

Guidance & Support

We collaborate directly with members to support individual issues or concerns specific to their business, as well as the wider challenges that affect independent motor dealers. Areas like FCA regulations, employment law, taxation, GDPR, customer complaints, and health & safety, our aim is to demystify the complexity and help you act with confidence.

Recognition & Trust

The IMDA is widely recognised across the motor trade — and increasingly by the public — as the trusted voice for Independent Motor Dealers. Displaying the IMDA logo reinforces your commitment to quality, transparency, and ethical practice, and shows customers that your dealership follows the IMDA’s minimum standards (link here to the Minimum Standards PDF). We actively encourage members to use the IMDA logos, as it helps build confidence and trust with today’s consumers.

Supplier Network Benefits

Through our network of approved supplier partners, members access exclusive offers and favourable deals — not because we are a buying group, but because suppliers value working with the IMDA and its large community of independent dealers.

THE UK's ONLY ASSOCIATION SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT MOTOR DEALERS

LIVE IMDA Service Support Network Map

Autodrive NI highly recommends the IMDA! As a used car seller in Northern Ireland, we've found their support and resources invaluable. The IMDA provides a strong voice for independent dealers, and their focus on compliance, legal advice, and industry best practices has been a huge help for our business. The exclusive member offers from approved suppliers are also a fantastic benefit. Being a member of the IMDA gives us confidence and a competitive edge in a challenging market. We're proud to be part of this growing association!

Gareth T

I have been a member of the IMDA for nearly 2 years and looked towards its members and Gareth for help and advice. This has been from assisting our customers with car trouble who are to far away from us to getting advice from other members including the professional partners. Let's get more like minded garages and repairers onboard to grow the association. What a fantastic group full of likeminded professionals with varied knowledge and skills.

Mick Friel

Source Any Car

As a young business, our membership with the IMDA has been invaluable. The support, resources, and networking opportunities provided have significantly contributed to our growth and development.

Alastair Page

Car Centre, Glasgow

The IMDA offers unrivalled support for independent motor dealers and support through free legal helpline, masterclasses, service support network and much more. It’s run by dealers so it’s very relevant to pressures independent dealers face in this fast changing world. I find it an invaluable resource in my business. If I have an issues I just ask Gareth who is always there to help….highly recommend.

Stuart Saunders

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Stay Connected

The independent motor trade is always evolving — and staying informed makes all the difference. Our newsletter brings you the latest industry news, updates from the IMDA, member stories, and exclusive partner offers, all in one place.

Whether you’re looking for practical advice, insights into upcoming legislation, or ways to make the most of your membership, our updates are designed to keep you ahead of the game.

Sign up below to make sure you never miss important news, opportunities, and support from the IMDA community.