Lookers has expanded its presence in Colchester with a new Ford Transit Centre, offering an enlarged and enhanced showroom space.

The AM100 group, which already has four dealerships in the area including Lookers Volvo, Ford and Land Rover, says that the new commercial vehicle showroom is “spacious and inviting”, with “ample” onsite parking.

Lookers’ existing Newcomen Way Transit Centre will continue to operate a Ford aftersales service in Colchester, with the added benefit of expanded facilities. The new showroom is located on Magdalen Street.

Will Radley, sales manager at the new site, said: “Lookers Colchester is on an exciting journey of growth and we’re delighted to have put the finishing touches to our plans to create an open, brighter and more enjoyable customer space so that we can now share an even bigger range of new and used commercial vehicles as part of a significant local investment.

“Fully staffed with a knowledgeable and experienced local team, our new Lookers Ford Colchester Transit Centre at Magdalen Street delivers a dramatically enhanced way to shop and experience Ford commercial vehicles, including the first all-electric E-Transit early next year.

“Our mission is to create the best environment for every customer and deliver the highest standards of service they have come to expect from Lookers Colchester.

“I’m delighted by the investment made, by our plans for local growth and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our new site.”

The Ford Transit Custom range was the UK’s top-selling vehicle last year.

More than 53,000 buyers chose new Ford Transit Customs, while a further 3,750 customers bought Ford Tourneo Custom people carrier.

The Transit Custom outsold the Stellantis-built Vauxhall Corsa, which finished 2021 as the UK’s best-selling car – with 40,914 registrations.

In addition to delivering 10% more one-tonne Transit Customs than in 2020, Ford also last year supplied more than 34,000 of the larger two-tonne Transit, making it the UK’s third best-selling vehicle in the year.

The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by more than a fifth (21.4%) in 2021, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), while new car registrations grew by just 1%.