Renault Retail Group has acquired two dealerships in south-east London from Whitehouse as part of a long-term strategy to increase its number of sites in the UK to 30.

The group took over dealerships in Orpington and Dartford on November 28 bringing the total number of London sites operated by the Renault-owned retailer to 10.

Following the acquisition of Renault Wirral in May, Renault Retail now has 23 Renault dealerships in the UK, plus its Autoworld used car site in Wolverhampton.

Ian Plummer, managing director, said further purchases are likely in Renault Retail’s four strategic market areas – the North West, Midlands, South Wales and London – as the group aims to reach 30 sites by the end of 2009.

He said: “This is a major regional expansion which gives Renault Retail access to new market areas and improves our penetration in the London region.

“Within the London region these acquisitions follow a strategy to have dealerships near the five arterial routes into London.”

The Dartford dealership is accessible from the A2 and M25 at junctions 1b/2, and is close to the new Ebbsfleet International railway station, while the Orpington dealership is directly opposite the town’s main line railway station.

The dealerships were acquired by Renault Retail as a going concern and will continue trading ‘without disruption’.

Plummer added: “Our first objective is to introduce group-wide processes to deliver goals in volume, profit and quality. In particular, we will introduce new systems in after sales to ensure the new dealerships reach the E4 excellence standards we have set for the group, which is a showcase for all Renault dealerships in the UK.”

Used car sales, which account for 30% of Renault Retail’s profits, will be enhanced at both sites as customers gain access to the group’s 3,500-vehicle stock. Extra facilities for van sales and servicing are also being planned.