Our History
Stewart’s Auto Supplies & Repairs is founded
Stewart’s Auto Supplies & Repairs was founded by Lionel Arthur Stewart, operating as a service garage on Hanover Street, in downtown Kingston, making it one of the oldest dealerships/garages in the island of Jamaica. They specialized in repairing the cars of the time, Hillman, Austin, Chevrolet and Ford.
Stewart’s Auto Sales Ltd.
The Company evolved into Stewart’s Auto Sales Limited and became the dealer for Daimler and Lancaster, English cars of distinction. They were appointed agents for the Singer Motor Company, a division of the Rootes Group, importing the Singer Vogue and Gazelle models.
Richard Arthur Marr Stewart
The founder’s second son, Richard Stewart, joined the Company. He later became the Chairman and CEO.
Suzuki
Stewart’s Auto Sales Ltd. secured the dealership rights for the Japanese Suzuki range of vehicles, which over the years has become a dominant force in the market.
Service & Bodyshop
The Company relocated to 6 Orchard Road, which incorporated a Service Department and Body Shop outfitted with modern equipment and facilities.
Stewart’s Auto Paints Limited
A complementary subsidiary, Stewart’s Auto Paints Limited (SAP), was established at Orchard Road, distributing Glasurit Automotive paints and finishes, and introducing computerized colour matching, as well as a wide range of automotive accessories.
Automotive Art
Two branches of the SAP subsidiary were opened on Old Hope Road and in Montego Bay, re-branded as Automotive Art. At the time, Automotive Art represented the products Glasurit Automotive Paint, Dunlop and Michelin Tyres, Meguiars Car Care Product, Llumar window film and Valvoline Lubricants.
Automotive Art Portmore
Another Automotive Art branch was opened in Portmore. Automotive Art is now the largest retailer of aftermarket car care products in Jamaica and the leading distributor of premium automotive products, representing Glasurit Automotive Paint; Hankook, PowerTrac and Runway Tires; Draper Tools; Llumar window film; and Valvoline Lubricants.
Stewart Motors
Stewart Motors was formed. This division distributed BMW vehicles in Jamaica.
Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation
The Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation was founded on July 23, 2008 contributing to the betterment of Jamaica across the spectrums of youth development, education, healthcare, youth sports, drug addiction and peacekeeping.
Kind Hearts Foundation
In 2009, inspired by their grandparents, Richard and Diana Stewart’s six grandchildren founded Kind Hearts Foundation in order to combat the devasting poverty they witnessed in their beloved Jamaica. Their focus is mainly on community housing and education needs for underprivileged families.
Issa Takeover
The Stewart Family acquired the business and assets of the Issa Transport Group, adding the brands Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Fuso, Mercedes-Benz Commercial, Freightliner, JCB, Komatsu, Bobcat, Clark, MTU Onsite Energy, Allison, Detroit Diesel, Cummins, AC Delco and Budget Car Rental to their portfolio. This major acquisition saw the establishment of Tropic Island Trading Ltd. trading as Budget Car Rental, Silver Star Motors Ltd. selling Mercedes-Benz, and two divisions of Stewart’s Auto Sales Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors and Stewart Industrial.
Stewart’s Automotive Group
In September, the headquarters for the Stewart’s Automotive Group was relocated to 49 ½ – 51 South Camp Road. This houses the Suzuki, Mitsubishi Motors, Honda Motorcycle, and Mercedes-Benz brands, as well as state-of-the-art service facilities and body shop.
Simpson Finance
In October, SAG established Simpson Finance Jamaica Limited in joint venture with the Simpson Family of Interamericana Trading Corporation (ITC).
Stewart Auto Gallery
In September, the Group acquired the Jaguar Land Rover brand, adding another premium luxury marque to its portfolio.
Automotive Art Expansion
In February SAG relinquishes the BMW marque. In August, Automotive Art acquired SURF City Garage, the fastest growing consumer car care products line in the US.
Montego Bay
SAG opens a temporary multi-brand facility in Montego Bay, housing Suzuki, Mitsubishi Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz marques.