CAR tycoon Sir Arnold Clark has died at the age of 89.

Staff at the firm’s showrooms were called together and informed of the businessman’s passing this morning.

Mr Clark, who opened his first showroom in Glasgow’s Park Road in 1954, grew the firm which bore his name to be one of Scotland’s most successful companies.

Said to be a billionaire, he headed up the company which eventually became the Arnold Clark Group as chairman and chief executive officer for 62 years.

Clydebank Post:

The firm now has more than 200] new and used car branches throughout the UK, selling sells 250,000 cars per year with 10,000-strong workforce and an annual turnover of £3.35 billion Last year a new 15,823 sq ft flagship head office was opened at Hillington near Glasgow, which also houses the UK’s largest Renault/Dacia showroom

A family ststement read: "Sir Arnold Clark passed away peacefully this morning, 10 April 2017, surrounded by his family.

"He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a great friend and employer to many. 

"He was an inspiration and the family will continue to carry on his vision. He will be greatly missed. 

"We wish to thank all those who have sent messages of condolence and appreciate your kind support. 

"We ask for privacy at this difficult time to allow the family to grieve."

Paul Cooney, chief executive of charity Kiltwalk, which has been sponsored by Arnold Clark, said: "Scotland has lost one of its greatest business figures and someone who embodied the ethos that business success should be used as a force for good in society.

"Sir Arnold Clark and the organisation he built have been enormously supportive of Kiltwalk and the growth of the charity has been due in no small measure to the kindness and enthusiasm which they have shown towards us.

"Our thoughts are with his family and his many, many friends at this difficult time."

Dr Bridget McConnell, chief executive of Glasgow Life, the cultural arm of the city council, praised Sir Arnold's contribution to Glasgow.

She said: "Sir Arnold was a true friend of Glasgow and an enthusiastic contributor to our cultural life.

"For decades he and the company which bore his name supported what was the old Museum of Transport and latterly the Riverside Museum, where he served as a trustee on the fundraising appeal which raised almost £5 million for the iconic, Zaha Hadid-designed gallery on the banks of the Clyde.

"Sir Arnold also had huge affection for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and was a trustee on the refurbishment appeal which raised £12.9 million, as well as the hugely successful organ programme.

"His contribution cannot be understated and he will be very sorely missed by his family and all of his friends and colleagues across Glasgow and Scotland."