Motors retailer heads for Doncaster

VERTU Motors has signed a deal to launch a Motor Nation used car outlet in Doncaster.

The AIM-listed group today announced that the outlet, on a 1.3-acre site on Thorne Road which will open in March will be its fourth, following openings in Birmingham, Coventry and Widnes.

Vertu Motors is UK's 10th largest motor retail group with 47 dealerships operating under the Bristol Street Motors and Motor Nation brands.

Marques sold include Citroen, Ford, Iveco, Honda, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall, Fiat Commercials and Hyundai.

Motor Nation outlets will, in due course, be branded Bristol Street Motor Nation.

Chief executive Robert Forrester said: “I am pleased we have delivered on our strategy to expand our Motor Nation brand into this new geography for Vertu Motors. The outlet has significant potential and is the group's first entry into Yorkshire. It is our intention to continue to identify additional sites with which to expand Bristol Street Motor Nation.”

Vertu Motors was established in November 2006 with the aim of consolidating the UK motor retail sector. The company listed on AIM in December 2006 and raised £25m. The executive directors are experienced within the sector, having previously held senior positions within Reg Vardy.

In March 2007, the group acquired the 13th largest motor retailer in the UK, Bristol Street Motors. Last summer Vertu acquired Blake Holdings, Grantham Motor Company and a Ford dealership in Morpeth, Northumberland.