The man who built Automotive Holdings Group into the country’s largest dealership group has passed away at the age of 89.
The man who built Automotive Holdings Group into the country’s largest dealership group has passed away at the age of 89.
Vernon (‘Vern’) Charles Wheatley passed away on 11th August, according to a death notice published today by his three surviving children, Clinton, Damon and Michelle, and their families
The death notice states that he “joined our late mother, Jo and late brother Shane”.
“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, but we take comfort knowing that they are united again,” it said.
Mr Wheatley helped to build one of WA’s largest family fortunes.
The family business was started by his father, Sydney Charles Wheatley, in 1952 but expanded greatly under Vern’s leadership.
He became the executive chairman of Automotive Holdings Group in 1968 and held that position until 2004 when he retired.
The business listed on the ASX one year later, in 2005, and was bought by Brisbane-based Eagers Automotive in 2019.
Mr Wheatley was described as an “absolute visionary” by Motor Trade Association of WA chief executive Stephen Moir.
“He had a very quiet way of going about business,” Mr Moir added.
“That’s what really stood out, he wasn’t showy at all.
“He just went about his business and built an amazing dealership group.”
One of AHG’s original dealerships was the former City Motors on Newcastle St, West Perth.
That site is currently being redeveloped by family company Automotive Properties into a mixed-use project to be known as Sydney Charles Quarter, in honour of Mr Wheatley’s father.
The family was valued at $760 million when Business News published its inaugural WA Rich List earlier this year.
This includes a 6.5 per cent shareholding in Eagers, which counts Mr Wheatley’s daughter Michelle Prater as a non-executive director.
Most of its wealth is in property, with the family owning many of the properties on which its car yards operated.
Mr Wheatley was born on 28 October 1934.
He attended Wesley College from 1947 to 1951 as a boarding student and was awarded colours for the school’s 1st XVIII football team, 1st XV rugby team and tennis team.
Mr Wheatley completed a commerce degree after school and, while studying, started working at Attwood Motors and City Motors.
He is a life member of the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia and a foundation member of the WA Motor Industry Foundation.
In 2016, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his significant contribution to the automotive industry.
Mr Wheatley also served as president of local Apex and Rotary clubs in the Perth region.
With his wife Jo, Mr Wheatley supported a broad range of community organisations and was considered one of Perth’s most philanthropic families but did not publicise their activities.
This includes the Wheatley Family Foundation Scholarships, awarded each year by Curtin University.
A public memorial service to honour Mr Wheatley will be held on Sunday 25th August at 2pm at Wesley College.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Wesley College for additional biographical details on Mr Wheatley.
