Four Toyota sites and two Lexus dealerships in south-west England are now under new ownership.

Snows Group has purchased the Japanese brand businesses in Exeter, Honiton, Plymouth and Torbay from Marsh Group, which AM understands was a Toyota sponsored retailer when it launched eight years ago.

It leaves Marsh Group with one car brand, Kia, at sites in Exeter and Taunton, plus motorcycle dealerships for Triumph and Harley Davidson in Plymouth and Southampton.

The Toyota and Lexus Division of Snows Motor Group now comprises of six Toyota and three Lexus operations across the south and south west of England, making it one of the largest privately owned groups for the Japanese car manufacturer.

"We are delighted with the Marsh Group acquisition as we have an excellent relationship with both the Toyota and Lexus Franchises and we very much look forward to caring for our joint customers in the West Country", said Snows Group chairman, Stephen Snow.

"Our existing Toyota and Lexus dealerships have won a deserved reputation for outstanding customer service and for having a great selection of used cars at competitive prices, we very much hope to replicate our achievements and used car success with our new acquisitions".