Lancashire-based Bowker Motor Group has been appointed by Maserati to operate its first Lancashire dealership.

The agreement will see Bowker Maserati operate from the motor group’s existing premises on the A59 in Osbaldeston near Blackburn from June 2013.

The dealership will be the sole distributor of the Italian brand in the North West and Cumbria. The Osbaldeston dealership, which is already home to Bowker Ribble Valley, is being developed to display three Maserati models with a full aftersales facility.

The investment in the dealership will generate an additional three jobs.

Bowker Maserati will be headed up by managing director Chris Eccles, supported by sales manager Jim Gregory. Bowker Maserati is the 10th member of the Bowker Motor Group portfolio, which includes dealerships in Blackburn and Preston.

Paul Bowker, Bowker Motor Group chief executive, said: “It is a huge privilege to be chosen by Maserati to represent them in the North West and Cumbria. We have already established award-winning motor retail experiences in Preston and Blackburn with some of the world’s most prestigious motoring brands.

“Maserati is the next chapter for us. It’s a unique and welcome addition to the Bowker family. Maserati make beautifully engineered, exciting motor cars. The brand is synonymous with glamour and excitement. We look forward to building another successful dealership worthy of the Lancashire motoring community.”

David Aldcroft, Maserati North Europe network development manager, said: "We are delighted to be working with a Lancashire business as highly regarded as Bowker Motor Group.

"We select our partners carefully and we were especially attracted to a business that has a significant and long standing presence in the Lancashire local community with such high levels of and award winning customer care. 

"We are certain that, in partnership, we will be able to establish a highly effective local Maserati brand presence."

Pictured (from left): Bowker managing director Chris Eccles, David Aldcroft, Maserati North Europe network development manager and Bowker Group chief executive Paul Bowker.