Vantage revs up turnover with latest acquisition

VANTAGE MOTOR GROUP has bought its first dealership in West Yorkshire, bringing group turnover to £215m and increasing its number of sites to 20.

The move to buy Stratstone Honda in Bradford is the next phase in Vantage’s long term strategy with the brand, which continues following the group’s first Honda acquisition in 2013, in Barnsley.

Honda has recently revealed plans to revive the brand’s fortunes in the UK with improvements coming in this year fuelled by new car launches and retention tools.

The dealership will sell 350 used and 500 new cars a year and will be rebranding as Vantage Honda – Bradford. All 20 of the current staff at the dealership will be retained and the business is committed to further investment at the site.

Mark Robinson, managing director of Vantage Motor Group, said: “We are very pleased to acquire our first dealership in West Yorkshire and to further strengthen our growing relationship with Honda. The acquisition is part of our ongoing growth strategy and demonstrates our commitment to further developing the Vantage business in Yorkshire.

“This is a very important year for Honda UK as it lays the foundations for a brighter future and we are gearing up with the brand at the ideal time with this acquisition.

“We look forward to ensuring that customers continue to receive the same high standards and levels of service that have driven our success in other parts of the UK.”

The Yorkshire-based group was advised on the acquisition by Walker Morris and Grant Thornton.

Over the past year Vantage Motor Group’s turnover has grown from £65m to more than £210m. The group employs 500 people and has increased its number of sites from seven in Yorkshire and Lancashire to 20 across the North of England and the West Midlands.