Our History

Our History

1938
1938

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.

1952
1952

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.

1960
1960

Richard Arthur Marr Stewart

The founder’s second son, Richard Stewart, joined the Company. He later became the Chairman and CEO.

1982
1982

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.

1987
1987

Service & Bodyshop

The Company relocated to 6 Orchard Road, which incorporated a Service Department and Body Shop outfitted with modern equipment and facilities.

1992
1992

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.

1995
1995

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.

2005
2005

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.

2006
2006

Stewart Motors

Stewart Motors was formed.  This division distributed BMW vehicles in Jamaica.

2008
2008

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.

2009
2009

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.

2010
2010

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.

2012
2012

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.

2013
2013

Simpson Finance

In October, SAG established Simpson Finance Jamaica Limited in joint venture with the Simpson Family of Interamericana Trading Corporation (ITC).

2015
2015

Stewart Auto Gallery

In September, the Group acquired the Jaguar Land Rover brand, adding another premium luxury marque to its portfolio.

2016
2016

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.

2018
2018

Montego Bay

SAG opens a temporary multi-brand facility in Montego Bay, housing Suzuki, Mitsubishi Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz marques.