Independent dealership group Mitchells has expanded by adding a fourth site after buying a long-established family business.
Lowestoft-based Mitchells, Groupe Renault UK’s 2019 top-performing dealership, has acquired Kerridges at Halesworth, a third-generation family-run Vauxhall specialist and used car garage.
Matthew Huke-Jenner, Mitchells managing director and owner, said: “We will be continuing the Vauxhall heritage but expanding the used car forecourt by stocking more vehicles.
“We are also talking to several manufacturers about reintroducing a new car franchise. It is a fantastic site, on a main road, and warrants being a franchised dealership.”
He hoped the chosen franchise could be revealed early in the new year.
“One of the key points for us was that we retain the four members of staff who have a lot of knowledge and experience. We are looking forward to caring for Kerridges’s loyal customers.
“Kerridges is a long-standing family firm which shares similar values to Mitchells. We have customers who have been dealing with us for more than 30 years. We make relationships with customers and they keep coming back and also tell family and friends about us. Our business is built on staff and customer retention.
“We see ourselves very much as custodians of this business.”
Mitchells, based in Long Road, Lowestoft, was established before the Second World War and has sold Renaults since 1974. The Renault and Dacia franchise opened a second site in Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth, 15 years ago and a used car operation in Mill Road, Lowestoft, two years ago.
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