Bowker Motor Group's newest dealership has been judged a success after its first year of trading saw it retail more than 350 cars and fit more than 3,000 tyres.

The centre in Osbaldeston has also seen service business triple after more than £20,000 was invested in MoT and diagnostic equipment.

To meet demand, the workforce at Bowker Ribble Valley has grown by 40% with the addition of four new staff.  And work continues at the former Bay Horse Saab on the A59 on a showroom for the new Maserati franchise on the site.

Managing director Chris Eccles (pictured in the suit with showroom staff) said: “It seems like only yesterday we opened our first non-franchise dealership here in Osbaldeston. We were always optimistic that Lancashire motorists would respond positively. But our first year has surpassed all expectations. To enjoy this level of business from a standing start has been phenomenal.

“We want to thank everyone for their support; everyone from local residents to customers. Even people who just pop in because they were passing on the A59 and a bit curious. They have all helped to make a very special first year for Bowker Ribble Valley. And we’re very grateful.”

The new dealership was officially opened a year ago at a ceremony attended by Clitheroe’s 2012 Olympic Games silver medal-winning pentathlete Samantha Murray, High Sheriff of Lancashire Jeremy Gorick and, Ribble Valley deputy mayor Richard Sherras.

Bowker Motor Group invested more than £750,000 in the new dealership specialising in retailing all makes of prestige and sports cars with full aftersales facilities offering servicing to all makes and models of cars, including MOT and tyre bays.

In May Bowker was appointed to operate the first Lancashire Maserati dealership.

The agreement means Bowker Maserati is now the sole distributor of the Italian brand in the North West and Cumbria. The site is currently being developed to display three Maserati models in the showroom with full aftersales facility.