Ford retail group TrustFord is investing an undisclosed sum in the redevelopment of four dealerships to turn them into FordStores.

TrustFord said the investment will create over 130 jobs across England, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Work to turn sites in Cribbs Causeway and Staines into new format Ford Stores is already underway, with the revamped developments expected to open in Autumn.

Sites in Newtonards Road and Lisburn, Northern Ireland, will also become Ford Stores, with work expected to begin later in the year.

All Ford Stores will feature display areas for the full range of Ford cars including the iconic Mustang and RS Focus.

Stuart Foulds, chairman and chief executive of TrustFord, said: “We’re always looking for ways to invest in our business so that we drive the standard in customer care in the automotive retail sector.

“The redevelopment of these four sites, alongside the funding provided to develop our talented workforce represents just that.

“The expansion of the dealerships is a key milestone for us, as this investment gives us the scale and resources to meet our customers’ needs today and, importantly, into the future.”

TrustFord has also announced recruitment for new roles across the business, including 77 apprenticeships and over 60 technicians with positions in mobile smart repair and alloy wheel preparation.