Oldham Athletic have announced a major new partnership between the club and new shirt sponsor The RRG Group.

A leading car dealership in the north of England, the name of RRG will adorn the new Puma manufacture Latics first team shirts throughout the 2023/24 season.

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.

And with its roots in Oldham, RRG is looking to have an impact on the community as well as the club.

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 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 per cent 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.

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.”