South coast automotive retailer Hendy Group is on the expansion trail with the acquisition of a Mazda dealership in Hampshire.

The family-owned group has bought Hiltingbury Mazda in Chandlers Ford.

Group managing director Paul Hendy says the acquisition will complement the firm’s existing Mazda dealership in Winchester.

"This is a very exciting development for the Hendy Group and we are delighted to be able to add such a well established Mazda dealership to our portfolio," he says. It will be rebranded as Hendy Mazda Hiltingbury.

Hendy says: "This new dealership fits perfectly with our strategy of expansion for the Mazda brand. For existing customers it will be business as usual with the full range of sales and service facilities together with the Hendy commitment to quality and customer care."

Annual turnover for the group is now expected to be £185m.