Springfield Honda has invested £20,000 in a streamlined parts system to provide its customers with a quicker, more efficient service.

The north-east- based retailer has opened a new central parts department at its head office in Washington, creating a more customer-focused service with a wider range of stock (10,000 parts lines). Previously, each of the branches in Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham and Sunderland held its own parts.

While the most popular parts will still be stocked at each dealership, there will be more products available that can be delivered from the Washington warehouse to the group's branches in just one hour.

It is part of Springfield's ongoing business development strategy that has seen more than £5m invested in its regional branches.

Now the company is hoping to grab a larger share of the local automotive market and total Honda sales in the UK. It aims to have one in 20 new car sales going through one of its dealerships.

Nigel Binks, dealer principal at Springfield Honda, is co-ordinating the new department. He says centralising the parts department has improved efficiency.

“Dealers are able to stock an improved range of fast-moving items so customers benefit from an even quicker service,” says Binks.