Pendragon is expanding its network of SMART repair centres.

The dealer group, which also has 14 bodyshops, said that group-wide its customers can now benefit from accessing improved local cosmetic repair facilities.

Investment into SMART repair operations is aimed to enable each centre to act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for car preparation and cosmetic repairs.

Andrew Waggott, group aftersales director for Pendragon, said: “The addition of these SMART centres will enable us to offer an improved service to our dealerships and customers.

“We are pleased to be able to offer an advanced service at our UK locations and we look forward to seeing the benefits across the group.”

Pendragon is recruiting for twenty-six technicians to join the SMART teams across the UK.

A new strategy is currently reshaping Pendragon “to deliver a market leading share in used vehicle and aftersales markets”, according to its 2017 financial report.

In 2017 its aftersales revenues rose 5.2% year-on-year to £350.6 million, while gross profit from aftersales increased 0.2% to £191.2 million.