1963-1990
Its founder Mr Duncan Keith incorporated D.M. Keith Limited as a limited company in February 1963, having originally commenced trading in 1946. The company's main business during the 1940's and 1950's was in motor vehicle repair. Used car retailing was originally an offshoot of the repair business. A petrol station was added to the Leeds, Cross Green Lane site in 1964, which enhanced the business base. In 1972 the company took on the Moskvich new car franchise which was later complemented by the Lada franchise. In 1976 the decision was taken to change to the Skoda car franchise which has remained the mainstay of the company's operations.
In 1980 and 1982 Dougal then Angus Keith, sons of Duncan Keith joined the company. During the late 1980’s Duncan Keith became unwell and spent less and less time working putting the responsibility onto the next generation.
By the time of the first moves of Volkswagen to take over Skoda in April 1991 it was clear to Dougal & Angus that the future of the Skoda franchise would be very different from its past. It was this foresight which brought them to look at redeveloping the Cross Green Site. When this project became bogged down in planning problems the opportunity was taken to move to the current Leeds Site at Thwaite Gate. Although the site, and ex-Toyota dealership was considered by many to be too big for a Skoda dealership, the faith in the long term growth of the Skoda brand in the UK drove Dougal & Angus Keith on.
So on the 27th July 1992 the site at Cross Green closed. The new site proved very successful and through good planning and hard work the investment risk started to pay back.
1999-2001
With the growth of the Skoda franchise in the UK projected by 2004 to be 2% of the total market share it became clear that the Leeds site at Thwaite Gate needed to be looked at again.
The project was planned to take 3 months. It actually took over 6 months and had a large impact on that year’s trading. The final launch night did not take place until October 1999.
The finished project however was worth the wait according to Dougal & Angus Keith. "We believe we have invested quarter of a million pounds into the future of Skoda, something we have consistently done," said Dougal. Certainly when you walk in the dealership the first impression is of cool, professional, quality without resorting to overstating the case. That sits well with the ethos of New Skoda, as Angus Keith said, "we wanted to create a dealership which reflected the values of Skoda and ourselves and I think we have achieved what we set out to do."
2002
March 2002 saw the groundbraking for a new state of the art showroom to be based in Bradford. The total development cost of about £1.4million, provided Skoda and D.M. Keith Ltd., with a flagship site incorporating the brand’s new corporate retail design. The Bradford site is one of the first of four such prestigious developments that was built in the UK in 2002 and was officially opened by Skoda Managing Director Rob Tracey - on Thursday 19th September.
Three generations of the Keith family, who also have long-standing links with Skoda, were present at the ground breaking. "I think my father, Duncan Keith, who started the company would have been proud if he had been alive to see this," said Director, Angus Keith. "Although we don’t know if the 3rd generation will follow on into the business at least they had a hand in the ground breaking."
"Family cars from a Car Family" is the D.M.Keith Limited catch-phrase and if Laura Keith, if Dougal Keith’s daughter joins the business in 15 years how far will have Skoda come when you see what has been achieved in the last 5 years?
2005-2006
July 2005 D.M. Keith Ltd opened in Wakefield, operating from Dewsbury Road.
January 2006 - New state-of the-art showroom and workshops open in Wakefield. The location may be the same, but the facilities and look reflect the contemporary approach of Skoda in the 21st century. At our new premises we’ve spared no expense to bring you the very best. Our new development provides a larger, state-of-the-art showroom, a wider selection of Skoda Approved Used Cars and increased customer facilities.
2006 also sees D.M Keith Ltd was awarded with internationally recognised quality management standard ISO status. Managing Director, Dougal Keith was presented with this by Managing Director, Chris Craft on a special visit to the dealerships in Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield.
February 2007 another success story. D.M. Keith Ltd becomes the new name for Skoda in Huddersfield, based on St Andrews Road. D.M Keith Ltd are now officially the UK’s largest retailer group with sites in Leeds, Bradord, Wakefield and Huddersfield.
August 2007 - D.M. Keith Ltd are appointed official Skoda retailers for the Halifax area in West Yorkshire.
2008
The family car retailer extends its hand of friendship into the wider community with a new sponsorship package providing vehicles for local charities including; West Yorkshire Air Ambulance to support the invaluable work undertaken by the Air Crews, saving the lives of many individuals and families in rural and urban communities across Yorkshire - Huddersfield Giants in the Community which provides a range of schools programmes and holiday clubs to engage young people