Midlands-based retailer Brindley Garages Group has reported a successful launch weekend for its new £1m Citroën and Mazda showroom in Stourbridge.

The site, previously Citroën-only, was demolished and rebuilt over five months. The new-look dual franchised site is expected to sell 1,000 units per year.

Dealer principal James Elkes says: “Of that figure we expect 550 to be new and 450 used; the ratio of sales likely to be around 60:40 in favour of Citroën.”

Founded by current chairman Robin Brindley’s father in 1931, the Brindley group now employs 400 people, sells 10,000 cars per year and has a turnover of more than £130m. Sitting at number 79 in the AM100, the group retails 11 brands (five Honda, three Citroën, two Mitsubishi and one Kia), from 10 sites throughout the west Midlands.

Brindley also has a fleet business, based in Wolverhampton. Launched in 1996, it sold 50 Hondas in the first year of trading. Having now moved to all makes, the group expects around 1,200 fleet sales this year and next year aims to hit 2,000. Lombard and BT are among its major customers.

Robin Brindley tells AM: “We pride ourselves on our reputation and customer care. Being family run also means we can react to opportunities much more quickly than a plc.”

Brindley says the group plans a period of consolidation in 2007 following a hectic year, which has included taking on the Mazda franchise, launching three new showrooms, appointing a new group managing director, and celebrating its 75th anniversary. However, the chairman says: “Naturally if the right opportunity presents itself, we are always open to further expansion.”