Stewart's Automotive Group: From 1938 to Mercedes, Suzuki & Land Rover

Jamaica's oldest independent auto dealer: brands, history, and why it is not ATL

Despite the shared "Stewart" surname, Stewart's Automotive Group is a completely separate company from ATL Automotive: and has been independently operating in Jamaica since 1938. From its roots as a repair shop on Hanover Street in downtown Kingston, the group has grown to become one of the island's major franchised dealers, representing prestige and volume brands alongside a network of aftermarket and support businesses.

1938: The Beginning: Lionel Arthur Stewart & Auto Repairs

Stewart's Automotive Group began as 'Stewart's Auto Supplies & Repairs' in 1938, founded by Lionel Arthur Stewart on Hanover Street in downtown Kingston. What started as a local repair and spares outlet has evolved into one of Jamaica's longest-standing automotive enterprises, headquartered today at South Camp Road, Kingston.

Suzuki (1982): First Franchise & Market Entry

The company's first major step into franchised retail came in 1982 with the Suzuki franchise. Suzuki's affordability and reliability made it a natural fit for the Jamaican market, and the partnership established Stewart's as a serious player in vehicle sales. The 2024 Suzuki Swift continues this legacy as an accessible, practical choice for island buyers.

2010 & Beyond: Prestige Brands & Diversification

A turning point came in 2010 when the Stewart family acquired the Issa Transport Group, bringing Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz under the Stewart's banner. This expansion into premium segments was followed by the addition of Jaguar, Land Rover, GWM, and Honda motorcycles. Today, Stewart's Automotive represents a rare mix of volume (Suzuki, Mitsubishi), prestige German marques (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover), and Chinese brands (GWM), positioning the group across multiple customer segments.

Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar & Land Rover: Why German Prestige Is Split

Stewart's Automotive holds Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover. ATL Automotive, a separate company, holds Audi, BMW, and Porsche. No single Jamaican dealer carries all the German prestige brands; the market is deliberately segmented. This means if you're buying a Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, or Land Rover: such as the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 or 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC: you come to Stewart's.

Beyond Cars: Automotive Art, Stewart Industrial & Budget Rent a Car

Stewart's Automotive Group operates several complementary businesses. Automotive Art is a car-care retailer offering products and services for vehicle maintenance. Stewart Industrial supplies and maintains heavy-duty machinery and equipment: a completely separate operating line. Budget Rent a Car handles short- and long-term vehicle rental, giving the group a presence across the entire mobility ecosystem.

Separate from ATL: The Facts About the 'Stewart' Name

A frequent point of confusion: despite sharing the surname 'Stewart,' Stewart's Automotive Group has no corporate connection, ownership link, or family tie to ATL Automotive or to Butch Stewart. Both are independent companies operating in Jamaica's automotive sector. The group's lineage traces directly back to Lionel Arthur Stewart (1938) and the subsequent generations of the family. ATL is a separate enterprise. If you are buying from Stewart's, you are dealing with the franchised dealer network under that 85-year-old independent brand.

The bottom line

As a Stewart's Automotive Group customer, you benefit from having all your service, parts, and warranty support handled through the same franchised dealer network. Whether you choose a Suzuki Swift, a Mitsubishi Triton, a Mercedes-Benz GLC, or a Land Rover Defender 110, your vehicle comes with access to manufacturer-backed warranty, technical expertise, and genuine parts supply. The group's scale and multi-brand portfolio also give it negotiating power with suppliers and insurers: a practical advantage when maintaining or insuring your vehicle in Jamaica. Understanding which dealer holds which brand helps you plan service locations and warranty claims clearly.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stewart's Automotive the same company as ATL Automotive?

No. Stewart's Automotive Group and ATL Automotive are completely separate companies with no corporate links or family ownership ties, despite both having 'Stewart' in their names or ATL being linked to Butch Stewart. Stewart's Automotive was founded in 1938 by Lionel Arthur Stewart and is independently operated. ATL is a separate business. They do not share ownership, dealerships, or corporate structure.

Which German prestige brands does Stewart's Automotive hold in Jamaica?

Stewart's Automotive represents Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Audi, BMW, and Porsche are held by ATL Automotive. No single dealer in Jamaica carries all the major German prestige brands; the market is split between the two groups.

What other businesses does Stewart's Automotive Group run besides vehicle sales?

Stewart's Automotive Group operates Automotive Art (a car-care retailer), Stewart Industrial (heavy-duty machinery and equipment supply), and Budget Rent a Car. These businesses complement the core automotive franchise network and serve different customer needs across mobility and industrial sectors.