The Hendy Group is set to expand its portfolio with the addition of a new Mazda franchise in Tunbridge Wells.

Opening at the AM100 retail group’s existing Mount Ephraim site on May 1, the new dealership will add a representation in Kent to a Mazda concern that already occupies sites in West Sussex, East Sussex and Hampshire.

The move will follow the end to the operations at the existing Tunbridge Wells Mazda franchise in the town, which had been operated by the Cambria Automobiles-owned Invicta Motors Group. The Invicta Mazda operation will cease trading today (April 30), AM understands.

Hendy Group chief executive, Paul Hendy, said he was delighted to add Tunbridge Wells to the portfolio. He said: “The Mazda brand is really popular amongst our customers, and we are thrilled to be extending our partnership with the brand.”

Brett Hague, Mazda Motor UK's head of network strategy, said: "Mazda Motors UK are very pleased to confirm the opening of Hendy Mazda Tunbridge Wells at Mount Ephraim on the 1st May 2018. 

"This continues the growing partnership between Mazda and the Hendy Group, taking the relationship to five locations. 

"Hendy are a customer-focused team and will serve the Tunbridge Wells area, which has a long history with Mazda.

"This latest Hendy Mazda dealership replaces the Cambria owned Invicta Mazda Tunbridge Wells which closed on Monday 30th April. 

"Both Hendy Mazda Tunbridge Wells and Invicta Tunbridge Wells have exciting developments for the brands they represent in the town in the near future.

"Mazda Motors UK and Cambria Automobiles continue their partnership in three other locations.”

Hendy already offers a comprehensive range of cars and commercial vehicles in Tunbridge Wells, from manufacturers including Ford, Renault, Dacia, Suzuki, Kia and Isuzu.

It also recently announced investment plans in Dorset with the creation of a new Car Store used car supermarket site in Ferndown, with space for around 200 vehicles.

Planning permission has been granted for the Car Store facility, at Compton’s Yard on Ringwood Road, St Leonards, and the operation is set to open early in 2019, creating more than 20 new jobs in the area.