Lloyd Motor Group expands into York

Lloyd Motor Group has bought Inchcape's Jaguar Land Rover business in York, expanding its geographic footprint further into Yorkshire.

The acquired outlet, which is in JLR's Arch concept, is some 25 miles from Lloyd's nearest existing business, a Land Rover outlet at Ripon.

The acquisition was announced this week by Inchcape, which has also agreed the sale of its Cobham BMW and Mini dealership in Surrey to Berry Group, which already represents the German premium brands nearby at Chiswick, West Drayton and Croydon. 

Inchcape UK said: "These sales finalise our disposals programme which has seen us exit us from two geographic markets and helped to create a density of representation within our wider portfolio."

Chief executive James Brearley recently told AM of his plans to establish a 20-site used car and fast-fit service network once Inchcape's franchised dealer portfolio had been right-sized.

On these final two disposals, Inchcape said it has communicated with all of colleagues at the affected locations and consultation will begin over the next few days.

"All colleagues at these locations are expected to transfer to the new owners under TUPE," it added.

"These sales enable us to continue reinvesting in our network for future growth, with our Norwich and Guildford JLR arch concept developments underway, alongside a major refurbishment of Kings Lynn Land Rover service centre and the relocation of Bournemouth Porsche. In addition, we have opened a further four dedicated used car outlets so far this year."

It said the JLR York site's sale includes a payment of goodwill relevant to the highly attractive nature of the profitable, high performing JLR Arch concept dealer.