AM100 dealer group Lookers has revealed it has been awarded its first Audi franchise.

It is buying a flagship Audi centre in south Dublin, Ireland, which will become part of its Charles Hurst business.

All 25 staff will be retained and Lookers' chairman Phil White said the dealership, which has split sales and aftersales sites, should begin operating in the final quarter of this year.

White added: "Although it will take time to achieve profitability, we consider that this will be a very profitable business in the medium term.

"This is our first Audi business and represents an important strategic addition to our portfolio."

Lookers chief executive Peter Jones (pictured) held Audi franchises last decade when he ran the Bramall & Jones dealer group with Tony Bramall.

 Lookers' Charles Hurst brand, although focused on Northern Ireland, already represents Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley and Aston Martin in Dublin.