North West-based Cox Motor Group has acquired Gordons Honda business in Wigan for an undisclosed sum, the group’s fifth with the franchise in 15 years.

The acquisition will take group turnover to £80 million and adds to Cox’s market area that now stretches from Kendal to Southport, with sites in Lancaster and Blackpool.

Helen Hayton, Cox group financial director, said the motivation for the acquisition was the continued successful partnership with the Japanese brand.

She said: ”We have a strong successful history of working with Honda and we try very hard to ensure that the relationship delivers for both parties.

“Honda have always been very straight forward to deal with and very supportive, this latest acquisition further strengthens our relationship.”

Another important factor was Honda’s model line-up changes that has seen the launch of the new Jazz, updated Civic and CR-V models and a reintroduction into the mini SUV segment with the new HR-V.

Geoff Stothert, group sales director, said: “The HR-V has created loads of new showroom interest and is selling very well, the sites feel alive and the mood is great.

“We expect to be really successful at Wigan as we gently turn the site around to our way of working and enjoy the greater economies of scale of what I believe is now the biggest privately owned Honda group in the country." 

Hayton said a crucial element in how quickly the group will turn around the “ailing business” is going to lie in the current staff.

She said: "We believe in people and we believe in getting the best out of people. First impressions of the current employees are very positive, with many highly trained individuals who I know we are all looking forward to working with very much." 

The Gordons acquisition takes total staff across the dealer group to 270. Cox also operates one Volkswagen and two Seat franchises, along with three Honda motorcycle operations.