The UK’s automotive retail sector has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her death yesterday (September 8) brought an end to a 70-year reign.
Vertu Motors chief executive Robert Forrester expressed his gratitude for Her Majesty’s “commitment, devotion to the people and her love for her country” as IMDA chairman Umesh Samani paid tribute to a Monarch who served with “the greatest of honour, respect and discretion”.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at her Scottish residence, Balmoral, yesterday.
As car retail businesses prepared for periods of closure as ten days of national mourning commenced, automotive business retailers who had met Queen Elizabeth in-person also reflected on their experiences of the UK’s longest-serving Monarch.
“As well as being a fantastic mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her growing family, Her Majesty ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history, as a much loved and respected figure across the globe.
“Renowned for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, she’s been a significant figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.
“We are incredibly grateful for her commitment, devotion to the people and her love for her country.
“Vertu Motors plc joins with people around the world in mourning her loss.’
Samani said: “The IMDA wish to pass on our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family on the very sad news of the peaceful passing of HM Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral, Aberdeenshire earlier today at the age of 96.
“Let us all pay tribute to a truest inspirational and well-loved monarch who has served the United Kingdom for eight decades with the greatest of honour, respect, and discretion.
“May you Rest in Peace Ma’am.”
“She was also a lifelong supporter of the UK automotive industry, with a keen interest in and expert knowledge of many of its products. Our sector remains indebted to her and our thoughts and condolences are with the King and the Royal Family.”
Tim Slatter, the chair of Ford of Britain and Lisa Brankin, the managing director of Ford of Britain & Ireland, meanwhile, issued a joint tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
“It is with immense sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”, it said.
“Her fondness and enthusiasm for the motor car were widely admired by the industry, and her skill both behind the wheel and as a mechanic was proven by her service during the Second World War.
“Throughout her long reign, she was a beacon of stability and dignity in what has often been a turbulent world.
“Her commitment to her duty as sovereign was beyond comparison, and we would like to express our sincerest condolences on behalf of the Ford family in the UK to the Royal Family at this sad time.”