Latics strike up 'dynamic' and poignant partnership deal with motor dealer group RRG

Latics have announced a major new partnership between the club and The RRG Group.

The agreement will see RRG, one of the biggest and most successful motor dealer groups in the north of England, adorn the front of Latics’ first-team shirts, manufactured by Puma, from the start of the 2023/24 season.  

Founded in 1967, RRG will also feature extensively in activity throughout the club, bringing to life a modern partnership which is built on historic ties and designed for the future.  

RRG currently boasts 21 dealerships across the North West and West Yorkshire, in addition to an Accident Repair Centre and a leasing and fleet division.

The group represents a total of eight car manufacturer brands, consisting of Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Peugeot, Škoda, Nissan, Kia and MG.  

RRG acquired the Toyota franchise in 1971, leading to the operation of 11 centres in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.  

The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in the 1930s by Kiichiro Toyoda, son of Toyota Industries founder, Sakichi Toyoda.  

Toyota moved into the motor industry when Kiichiro was invited to England by the Platt Brothers, who owned and operated a host of mills in Oldham, at one time supporting 42% of the town's population.  

The brothers were based out of Booth House on Featherstall Road, about half a mile away from Latics’ birthplace, the Featherstall and Junction Inn.  

Following Kiichiro's visit, the Platt Brothers bought the patent for the Toyoda Model G Loom, which allowed a single worker to operate up to 30 machines, significantly increasing productivity.  

Having generated £100,000 from the sale of the patent, Kiichiro used the money to start the Toyota Motor Corporation, which has now produced over 200 million vehicles.  

The partnership is the start of what will be a fruitful relationship between the club and RRG, as both organisations work together for the benefit of the wider community of Oldham.  

There will be ongoing collaborations throughout the next season, representing RRG’s eight manufacturer partner brands, including new initiatives highlighting life with an EV vehicle, the use of hybrid technology and also focusing on future mobility solutions and alternative powertrains.  

It is based on the historic ties with Toyota that the video announcing the partnership was filmed at Boundary Park, as four vehicles from Toyota’s GR series and GR Sport range took to the pitch for a unique launch. 

Latics CEO Darren Royle said: “To have agreed a major partnership with RRG is an enormous privilege and we are looking forward to building a dynamic, forward-thinking relationship that will see activity across many areas of the club.  

“Over recent months, we have really enjoyed working alongside Head of Marketing, Jonathan Royle, his team and Arran Bangham, the group’s Vice Chairman.

"They are all passionate about what they do and share our desire to shape a modern partnership which has many benefits for Oldham and the surrounding area.  

“The news of our agreement with RRG comes on the back of the recent announcement that Puma will also become our technical kit supplier from the start of 2023/24.

"The bespoke kit designs look fantastic and we genuinely can’t wait to launch the kits in July.”  

Jonathan Royle, RRG Head of Marketing, said: “It’s a really exciting time to be getting involved with Oldham Athletic.

"We share the sense of anticipation ahead of the new season and look forward to building our partnership.  

“It’s clear that the Rothwell family and CEO Darren Royle have big plans for the club, and we are delighted to be able to play a part in that.” 

Meanwhile, back on the pitch, David Unsworth’s side will play six pre-season fixtures in July as they gear up for the 2023/24 National League campaign.

Due to the extensive pitch renovations taking place at Boundary Park this summer, only the final fixture of the warm-up schedule can be played at home.

Latics will face five matches on the road, travelling to Hyde, Southport, Chorley, Curzon Ashton and Barrow.

The programme will come to a close against Sky Bet League Two opposition as Mansfield visit Boundary Park at the end of July.

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