Vertu Motors has created 15 new jobs with the opening of a new Bristol Street Motors Renault and Dacia dealership in York’s former Jaguar showroom.

The AM100 PLC said that it had invested more than £300,000 in the Clifton Moor Gate facility and was now seeking an apprentice service technician to join its newly-established workforce.

The site had been home to a Jaguar franchise until Inchcape developed a new Arch Concept facility in the Yorkshire city prior to its sale of the business to Lloyd Motor Group earlier this year.

Tom Wash, general manager at Bristol Street Motors York Renault Dacia, said: “We’re very excited to finally open our doors after a long period of refurbishment work.

“The site looks fantastic and has a huge range of modern digital features, which properly showcases the new Renault Dacia models.

“Our timing couldn’t have been better. The all new Sandero and Duster have just arrived from Dacia, as have the new Renault Arkana hybrid models – a new modern dealership for new modern vehicles.”

Among the features of the new Bristol Street Motors Renault and Dacia business are energy-saving LED-lit vehicle display booths.

It also features digital screens on its forecourt, with interactive car configurator tablets inside, which allow customers to preview and cost their ideal specification.

Seven EV charging points have also been installed, allowing customers and visitors to charge their vehicles.

Last week AM reported on Vertu Motors’ record £51.8m adjusted pre-tax profit in H1 2021.

Vertu revealed the 10-fold rise in profits in a set of interim financial results for the period to August 31, which also showed a 71.9% rise in revenues, to £1.92bn, as its new car sales rose by 44.8% and used car sales by 67.3%.

The group increased its full-year profit forecast by 19% to at least £65m (previously £50m to £55m) in light of the performance.