THE family-owned Motorline Group has continued its ambitious growth with the opening of its fifth Nissan franchise.
Up to 17 jobs will be created at the new dealership in Reading, which is located in a prominent position on the busy A4 Bath Road, just minutes from junction 12 of the M4.
It is on a temporary site until a permanent base can be found nearby to build a state-of-the-art showroom, similar to Motorline’s flagship Nissan branch in Maidstone, Kent.
The Reading area is a strategically important territory for Nissan – it is currently one of Nissan’s largest markets in the UK.
It is also a major area for growth, with Reading included in the £14bn Crossrail project – Europe’s biggest infrastructure project – as well as having a large number of hi-tech firms based in the town.
Tony Jones, Brand Director for Motorline Nissan, said: “We are delighted to add a further Nissan dealership to our group and new territory along the M4 corridor. It is an important area for Nissan and one that we believe Motorline will flourish in.
“Within 18 months we are looking to open a new, modern showroom in the area.”
Dave Murfitt, Director of Network Development and Quality at Nissan Motor (GB) Limited, said: “We are really pleased to be expanding our strategic relationship with the Motorline Group. The group has a reputation for providing excellent dealership facilities and professional staff dedicated to providing the best possible customer experience for Nissan customers. Reading is a key market and we believe Motorline is the ideal partner to represent the Nissan brand here.”
Nissan continues to be the fastest-growing automotive brand in the UK, with August sales of 6,077 units – an increase of 14% year on year.
The new Reading showroom – which has a service area and ample customer parking – opened its doors today (Friday, September 11).
Founded in 1972, the Motorline Group represents 10 car brands with dealerships across Kent, West Sussex, Surrey, Bristol and South Wales. The family run business has also achieved significant growth and continues to invest in new and existing dealerships. This latest acquisition in Reading is in addition to the Motorline Nissan franchises in Maidstone, Dartford, Tunbridge Wells and Crawley.