JCB Group has completed the rebranding of the former Hidson Group Kia, Citroen, Mitsubishi and SsangYong dealerships which it acquired in January.

The acquisition of the £45 million turnover (2016) Hidsons Group operation in North Kent eight months ago was hailed as “a perfect fit, both culturally and geographically” for the group, adding six dealerships to the group and taking its number of franchise partners to nine.

Now all the former Hidsons sites in Northfleet (Ebbsfleet) and Rainham have been re-branded under the JCB Group name, with their operations centralised into a shared online web platform.

JCB Group managing director, Jonathan Bischoff, said: “We’ve worked really hard over the past eight months, ensuring that the dealerships previously owned by the Hidsons Group benefited from our larger scale; making investments in staff training and improvements to premises to ensure that customers benefit from a far greater offering. 

“As a regional business, we’ve got the bulk-buying power of a national organisation which we pass on to our customers, helping them to save money on their motoring costs.

“As well-known and established names in the area, the decision to bring these two families together under one title was not taken lightly. However, as we look to the future and expand into new operations, it’s important that we present a clear identity to our customers, staff and our suppliers.

“By introducing the JCB trading name at the sites in Northfleet (Ebbsfleet) and Rainham, operating one website (thejcbgroup.co.uk) and a staff uniform, we hope that we’ve simplified customer choice.

“Our focus has always been on looking after our customers and offering reliable vehicles which are value-for-money, as well as offering a localised, personalised service and approachable and knowledgeable staff.”

JCB Group acquired former Hidson Group sites in Northfleet and Rainham to add to locations already held in Ashford, Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Crawley, Worthing, Brighton and Eastbourne.

Last year JCB Group sold in excess of 120,000 vehicles from brand partners Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Honda and Fiat, alongside Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VW CV).

In its last published accounts - to December 31, 2017 - the retail group recorded a turnover of £122.16 million (2016: £115.46m), resulting in a profit before tax of £1.48 million (2016: £1.31m).

The independently-owned JCB Group now employs over 500 staff throughout Kent and Sussex.