Benfield buys Toyota group

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 13, 2003

The Newcastle-based Benfield Motor Group is continuing its expansion in Yorkshire with the acquisition of its first Wakefield dealership.

Just two months ago leading independent motor retailer Benfield Motor Group announced its expansion with the acquisition of a Leeds Toyota dealership"and hot on the heels of that announcement is the confirmation of yet another Toyota acquisition.

As the motor retailer continues to make its mark in Yorkshire, the latest addition to the Benfield fold is the former Arriva Toyota dealership in Wakefield.

The new dealership is expected to increase Benfield's annual turnover to more than pounds 250 million and further consolidates the company's position as one of the UK largest independent motor groups.

Grant Lees, operations manager for Benfield Toyota, said; "This was a great opportunity to expand our relationship with the Toyota brand and to further reinforce our presence within Yorkshire."

Mark Roden, general manager for Network Development at Toyota (GB) PLC commented: "We are delighted that Benfield Motor Group is strengthening its presence in the Toyota franchise.

"Our organisations share a mutual commitment to achieving the highest standards of customer service."

Benfield now has 23 motor dealerships covering the North East, Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland and represents 11 Marques.

Grant Lees concluded: "We pride ourselves in developing our staff to provide high levels of customer care.

"We are retaining all staff and they will all be offered any support they need to help them further develop their careers within Benfield."

Benfield Motor Group has 23 dealerships throughout the North of England and employs more than 1,000 members of staff. With a turnover of more than pounds 250 million it is ranked among the UK's top 30 dealer groups. Information on the company can be found at www.benfieldmotorgroup.com

Toyota has over 200 outlets throughout the UK including 90 Business Centres.