Driving Ayrshire forward since 1930

Bridgend was founded in 1930 as a haulage firm.

The change from haulage contractor to garage took place in 1950 when Hugh McLaughlan, founder, opened the first Bridgend Motor Group in Old Glasgow Road, Kilwinning carrying out car repairs and selling fuel.

Hugh’s sons Daniel and Alexander joined their father in 1966, helping the business to expand over the next 20 years from the traditional garage into associated motor trade operations – used car sales and vehicle service facilities such as accident repair.

Bridgend Accident Repair Centre was established in 1975 at a site in Woodburn Avenue in Kilwinning.

In 1978 our Irvine branch was opened, and in 1980 it became one of the first Mitsubishi franchises in Scotland. A major refurbishment took place in 1990 and this branch has seen regular investment over the years to keep it up to date.

In 1980, a substantial increase in business prompted a move to new, larger premises at Alexandra Terrace for Bridgend Accident Repair Centre, where it would remain until 1994 when the huge growth of the accident repair business prompted the next move of premises to its current location at Burnside on Old Glasgow Road, Kilwinning.

During 1999 a multi-million pound development at Riverside, Kilwinning, opposite the original Bridgend Motor Group, became the West of Scotland’s largest dedicated used car complex.

In 2006, Bridgend Motor Group took its first steps out of North Ayrshire and into South Ayrshire. A four acre site was acquired at Heathfield and Ayr Autoplex was launched.

November 2013 saw Bridgend Motor Group expand into East Ayrshire initially opening a 100 used car site on Ayr road Kilmarnock. This was followed up in 2014 with the opening of a dedicated Van Centre with over 100 used vans and commercial vehicles for sale. The success of the Kilmarnock Van Centre led to the opening of an additional Van Centre in Ayr with a further 100 used commercial vehicles and then a third Van Centre at Kilwinning Autoplex. 

2019 saw £1million investment in our Kilmarnock autoplex, with the construction of a massive 10,000 sq ft, brand new facility. This new premises houses a huge state of the art workshop, modern sales & admin offices, as well as meeting facilities, and a large aftersales reception area. Kilmarnock Autoplex now offers customers over 100 vans & commercial vehicles, over 300 quality used cars, and a large selection of wheelchair access vehicles.

Launched in the summer of 2019, the Bridgend Training Academy is our dedicated apprenticeship and training programme, designed to kickstart careers in the motor trade across Ayrshire. With fully paid, hands-on training and no entry requirements, the academy offers accessible pathways into roles such as vehicle technician, spray painter, sales executive, and more. Based at our Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, and Ayr sites, the 12-week programme combines mentoring with real-world experience—helping many trainees transition into full-time roles within the company.

As of 2025, Bridgend Motor Group proudly operates thirteen departments across Ayrshire, offering a comprehensive range of services including used car and commercial vehicle sales, servicing, MOTs, maintenance, and accident repair. Still family-owned and operated, the business now includes members of the fourth generation of the McLaughlan family in key roles—continuing a legacy of trust and dedication. With over 240 local employees, many of whom have been with us for more than 15 years—and some for over four decades—we remain committed to delivering the exceptional service and community values that have defined us since day one.