Vertu Motors’ Macklin Motors Scottish car retail division has brought together MG, Kia and Peugeot sales and servicing at a newly-developed £5m Edinburgh showroom.

The division’s 10th Scottish location, located near to the M9 motorway on Lonehead Drive, Newbridge, includes space for 120 display vehicles and a 16-bay service area catering for the three brands.

Vertu said that existing colleagues have relocated from a pre-existing dealership on Bankhead Road, Edinburgh, with 14 new jobs created – including two apprenticeships.

A statement issued by the AM100 PLC said: “The substantial investment by Macklin Motors signifies its confidence in the region and further significant developments are in the pipeline.”

Vertu grew its car network and marketing profile throughout 2021, with a focus on consolidating its operations at multi-brand car retail locations where possible.

This week the group revealed that it had completed a £250,000 project to introduce the Peugeot brand to its existing Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall site on Sunderland Enterprise Park. 

In November it completed a £600,000 investment in a new Bristol Street Motors aftersales service centre, in Harlow, specialising in Stellantis brands Vauxhall, Citroen, and Peugeot.

At its new multi-franchise site on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Vertu said that it had implemented new technology to boost both the sales and aftersales experience of its customers.

Interactive walls allow customers to customise their vehicle specification while automatic number plate recognition notifies the service centre to a customer’s arrival and begins the check-in process.

The general manager of Macklin Motors Edinburgh Newbridge, Joe McCauley, said: “Prior to the seven-month long build programme, the location was an undeveloped plot overlooking the M9 motorway.

“Now it is a state-of-the-art workplace we can all be proud of and a welcoming modern space for customers.

“Moving into our new home is a fantastic way to begin 2022 and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues, old and new, to welcome customers and show them everything we have on offer.”

Andrew Simpson, franchise director at Macklin Motors, said: “We are delighted with how the dealership turned out. It’s a great, prominent location overlooking the M9 and really showcases the Macklin Motors brand well.”

Vertu Motors chief executive, Robert Forrester, said: “This significant investment in Edinburgh, which is our third location in the city, demonstrates our continued confidence in the region.

“A substantial amount of hard work has gone into building our new Edinburgh site, which is set to be a fantastic facility for customers and colleagues. We are delighted to provide the very best customer service and cater to a wide variety of motoring needs.”