General Motors is to encourage the greater sharing of Vauxhall and Saab retail sites.

An AM-online source said that while each marque will be given its own space and unique branding the two will increasingly be found alongside each other in showrooms as part of an on-going strategy announced at this year's Geneva motor show to develop GM as a 'multi-brand' organisation.

Dorset and Hampshire bodyshop group Seward has recently bought New Trident Vauxhall. Seward is to open the first combined Vauxhall and Saab dealership in the UK in Christchurch, having won the Saab franchise in Northbourne.

The source said: “You will see more and more of this site sharing in the Seward style because it makes economic sense and the two marques complement each other. The strategy is far more advanced in Europe where there are a number of Opel/Saab sites. The UK will play catch-up – you'll be able to walk into a showroom and go left for Vauxhall and right for Saab.

“The speed at which this will happen will depend on dealer investment.”

Yorkshire-based independent motor retailer Nidd Vale, based in Harrogate, is expected to open a shared site this year.

GM executives announced at Geneva that there would be greater sharing of back office functions between the group brands. This is being introduced in the UK this year.