Desira is expanding its van sales operation with the launch this month of a new LCV centre in Ipswich.

The private retail group has expanded the site of its Fiat and Alfa Romeo car franchises and created a new sales office in order to stock up to 30 new and used Fiat vans.

The extension became possible by demolishing the site’s petrol station, which Desira closed after acquiring the business in June 2003. It also allows Desira to display an additional 60 cars, including used Citroen and Nissan models from its group stock.

“This expansion is a positive step forward for the group and enables Desira to capture a greater range of customers through the increased range of vehicles on offer,” says John Parker, Desira brand manager for Alfa Romeo and Fiat. He says while Desira’s new car sales are “buoyant” its used car and van market is particularly strong.

The group, which has 350 employees, has begun a recruitment drive to support its growing sales activities. Desira has seven dealerships in East Anglia and two in London representing Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Nissan and Citroen, and owns the self-drive hire business Abacus.

The company, which holds a stock of 1,000 vehicles, is looking to double its £75m turnover by the end of 2007.