Two Stewart Car Empires: Why ATL Automotive and Stewart's Automotive Aren't the Same

A guide to Jamaica's two unrelated dealer groups that happen to share a surname

Jamaica's automotive landscape includes two major dealer groups that are often confused because they both carry the "Stewart" name: but they are entirely separate operations with different histories, ownership, and brand portfolios. Understanding which is which matters when you're shopping for a vehicle, financing, warranty coverage, or after-sales service. This guide clears up the mix-up.

ATL Automotive: Part of the Broader ATL Group

ATL Automotive is a division of the ATL Group (Appliance Traders Limited), owned by Jamaica's Stewart family and led by executive chairman Adam Stewart. The ATL Group was founded by the late Gordon "Butch" Stewart, who is also renowned for founding the Sandals Resorts chain. Beyond automotive, the ATL Group operates Appliance Traders (appliances and electronics) and the Jamaica Observer newspaper. ATL Automotive is the automotive arm of this diversified conglomerate and has grown to operate around 8 locations across Jamaica, including Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios.

ATL Automotive's Brand Portfolio and Services

ATL Automotive represents a premium and diverse range of global brands: Audi, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, Honda, Kia, and an expanding portfolio including BYD, Foton, Jaecoo, MG, and Omoda. Beyond vehicle sales, ATL Automotive offers a comprehensive suite of services including ATL Automotive Finance, multiple service centres, genuine parts availability, a "3Plus" extended-warranty programme, and certified pre-owned vehicle sales. This integrated approach means buyers can handle financing, maintenance, warranty claims, and parts through ATL's franchised network.

Stewart's Automotive Group: An Independent 85-Year Legacy

Stewart's Automotive Group is a separate company with no connection to ATL Automotive or Butch Stewart's family, despite the shared surname. It was founded in 1938 by Lionel Arthur Stewart as "Stewart's Auto Supplies & Repairs" on Hanover Street in downtown Kingston. The company has operated continuously under family stewardship and expanded significantly in 2010 when the Stewart family acquired the Issa Transport Group, broadening its franchise portfolio and strengthening its presence in Jamaica's auto market.

Stewart's Automotive: Brands and Business Lines

Today, Stewart's Automotive Group holds franchises for Suzuki (acquired in 1982), Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz (acquired via the Issa Transport Group in 2010), Jaguar, Land Rover, and GWM, plus Honda motorcycles. The group operates from its headquarters on South Camp Road in Kingston and has diversified into related businesses including Automotive Art (a car-care retailer), Stewart Industrial (heavy-duty machinery and equipment sales), and Budget Rent a Car. This multi-brand, multi-service approach reflects a deep-rooted automotive heritage in Jamaica.

Key Differences at a Glance

The two groups differ fundamentally in ownership, history, and market focus. ATL Automotive is part of a large, modern conglomerate (ATL Group) with interests in retail, media, and hospitality, backed by one of Jamaica's most prominent business families. Stewart's Automotive Group is an independent, family-owned dealer network with an 85-year track record focused exclusively on automotive and equipment distribution. ATL emphasizes newer premium and emerging global brands; Stewart's has built strength in established, reliable brands and added prestige lines like Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. When you buy from one, you are not dealing with the other.

Where to Find Them

ATL Automotive operates approximately 8 showroom and service locations across Jamaica's major urban and resort areas. Stewart's Automotive Group is headquartered at South Camp Road, Kingston, and operates as a unified entity with a focused presence in the Kingston metropolitan area and island-wide service support. Both are legitimate, established dealer groups: knowing which serves your chosen brand is essential for warranty, service, and parts support.

The bottom line

As a buyer in Jamaica, understanding which company represents your chosen brand is crucial. Your financing terms, warranty coverage, service access, and parts availability all flow through the franchised dealer you select. If you're interested in an Audi, BMW, Kia, or BYD, you'll work with ATL Automotive and their integrated finance, warranty, and service ecosystem. If you're shopping for a Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, or Jaguar, Stewart's Automotive Group is your point of contact. Don't assume that "Stewart" means the same company: verify which dealer holds the franchise for your desired brand, and ask about their warranty, service network, and after-sales support before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

Are ATL Automotive and Stewart's Automotive Group the same company?

No. Despite sharing the "Stewart" surname, they are completely separate and unrelated companies. ATL Automotive is part of the ATL Group (owned by the Stewart family behind Sandals Resorts and founded by Butch Stewart). Stewart's Automotive Group is an independent, family-owned dealer founded in 1938 by Lionel Arthur Stewart with no connection to ATL or Butch Stewart's family.

Which company should I buy from if I want a Mercedes-Benz in Jamaica?

Stewart's Automotive Group holds the Mercedes-Benz franchise in Jamaica. They acquired it as part of the Issa Transport Group purchase in 2010. ATL Automotive does not sell Mercedes-Benz; their brand portfolio includes Audi, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, Honda, Kia, BYD, Foton, Jaecoo, MG, and Omoda.

Do both companies offer extended warranty and financing in Jamaica?

ATL Automotive explicitly offers ATL Automotive Finance and a "3Plus" extended-warranty programme as part of their service package. Stewart's Automotive Group operates as a full-service dealer group with access to financing and support through their operations. However, warranty and financing terms are specific to each company and the brand you purchase: always confirm these details with your chosen dealer.