Nicolas Chabrier leads Groupe Tressol-Chabrier

Nicolas Chabrier has been the general director of Groupe Tressol-Chabrier for one and a half years, steering the family-owned automotive distribution company through a difficult period in the industry. The company operates across a wide area in France, from Bordeaux to Toulon, and sold 22,927 new vehicles in 2025, a 9% drop from previous years, despite a 12.42% increase in revenue to 1,439 million euros.

Unusual career path for an automotive leader

Chabrier’s career is not typical for someone in the automotive distribution sector. After graduating from a business school, he worked in a Paris-based investment bank and later co-founded and ran a fitness center group for a decade. This diverse background has influenced his leadership style, emphasizing customer needs and operational efficiency.

Historical roots and expansion strategy

The company’s origins trace back to 1983 with the opening of the first Citroën sales point in Castelnaudary by Didier and Christine Chabrier, supported by Christine’s father, Marc Tressol. The group expanded by focusing on local growth and adding multiple car brands, which helped it grow regionally but also introduced complexity in its operations.

Digital transformation and reorganization

Under Chabrier’s leadership, the group has focused on reorganizing its operations and embracing digital tools. This includes centralizing the call center in Montpellier and appointing a chief technology officer from a software publisher. The company has also introduced a business intelligence tool and an AI agent to support dealership teams.

Business diversification and new markets

Chabrier is also pursuing diversification, including the acquisition of the Parot group in May 2024, which contributes 15% of the company’s revenue and is expected to grow to 30% in the long term. The group has also entered the motorcycle market and is expanding its presence with Chinese car brands like MG Motor and Chery.

Navigating used car market challenges

The used car market is facing difficulties due to the impact of electric vehicles on vehicle residual values. Chabrier highlights the importance of controlling repair costs and managing inventory effectively to cope with these uncertainties. The company aims to achieve operational profitability and generate financial margins by 2028, with plans for international expansion and diversification beyond the automotive sector.