North West based motor retailer Cox Motor Group has acquired its fourth Honda car dealership, in Southport.

The business was purchased from the Clare James Group who had operated the site for nearly four years under the Lightcliffe name.

The Southport deal increases its Honda market area and gives them the territory from Kendal in the north, through Lancaster and Blackpool to now Southport in the south west of the region.

Helen Hayton, Cox Motor Group financial director, said: "The staff seem of a high calibre and are highly motivated, the site is modern and well laid out and of course we’re looking forward to Honda’s new products next year."

She spoke of further growth possibilities: "We also have another couple of opportunities with other partners that we are seriously looking at, but the timing of this one couldn’t be better.

"We’ve had another very strong year with Honda this year so it makes perfect sense. The team there has a terrific record with customer satisfaction too, something that we are well known for in our business.”

The purchase included the freehold of the site and adds to Cox Motor Group’s property portfolio.

The group also operates Volkswagen in Lancaster and Seat in Kendal, as well as three Honda motorcycle operations and a Honda aftersales and used car site in Preston.

Clare James retains Honda representation in Liverpool and Warrington.