Benfield Motor Group has added Maserati to its brand portfolio in the North East marking its first venture into prestige marques.

The dealership on Warwick Street, Newcastle will be the sole distributor of the Italian supercar brand in the area, which returns to the North-east of England following a lengthy absence.

The showroom will display new examples of the GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Quattroporte as well as a range of used Maserati stock. The business will be led by Dax Pearce.

Nigel McMinn, Benfield Motor Group managing director, said: “To be chosen by Maserati to operate their first solus UK dealership is a great privilege for a family business like Benfield.

“This announcement represents another exciting step forward in the development of our group and first venture into prestige marques. Maserati make beautifully engineered, exciting motor cars and the brand will certainly bring a genuine glamour and excitement to our growing portfolio.”

Giulio Pastore, Maserati Europe managing director, said: “We are delighted by the opportunity to work with such a highly regarded local business, a business that has a significant and long standing presence in the local community of Newcastle upon Tyne.”

Benfield Motor Group is an independently owned family business founded in Newcastle in 1957 by John Squires Senior and developed by John Squires Junior, the present chairman.

Benfield now has 34 retail outlets throughout the North East of England, Yorkshire, Cumbria and South West Scotland and with the inclusion of Maserati now represents a portfolio 13 brands.