John Tustain, who sold his Bristol Street Motors dealer group to Vertu Motors in 2007, has revealed plans to build another group in the midlands and north of England.

His new company, Tustain Motors, has just taken its first step, acquiring two Vauxhall dealerships in Northumberland.

Now Tustain aims to acquire more dealerships in the north, particularly those with Ford franchises although he also wants to increase market share with Vauxhall.

His objective is to build a group of around 10 to 15 dealerships.

Tustain has taken the chairman role at Tustain Motors. He has been joined by managing director Brian Baxter and financial director David Storey, both formerly at Vertu.

The purchases of Ashington's Vauxhall site from Milburn Motors Garages and Alnwick Vauxhall from Willis of Alnwick was funded by Lloyds Bank.

Tustain said: "With these acquisitions Tustain Motors Limited marks the start of its wider strategy to acquire and improve motor retail sites across the Midlands and North. Our aim is to build the group with further acquisitions over the next few years."