Lookers has launched a new luxury and premium used car retail operation with the Newcastle opening of its first Lookers Premium dealership.

The AM100 PLC, profiled in the February edition of AM magazine, will feature brands such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche and Maserati at the former Nissan used cars site on Portland Street, Newcastle.

While more than £500,000 has been invested to bring the facility up to its new luxury standard, Lookers has also said that its stock can be viewed both on site and online, with delivery available nationwide.

Lookers has been operating its Lookers Premium service online since early 2021 but its new showroom – staffed by a team of five – means customers can now experience the new retail offering in person.

Rikki Ledger, area general manager at Lookers, said: “We’re proud to unveil a new Premium showroom in Newcastle which perfectly showcases a quality range of prestige vehicles under one roof – and which also combines a best-in-class customer experience that cannot be matched.

“At the forefront of motoring in the UK and Ireland for more than a century, Lookers continues to invest in customers and staff and in developing a state-of-the-art retail estate that not only delivers quality, innovation and style but also accurately meets the needs of every motorist.

“Whether enquiring instore, over the phone or online, we’re looking forward to meeting the needs of all our customers. This outstanding showroom will provide a first class and unique customer experience while we continue to offer delivery options across the UK and Ireland.”

In his recent interview with AM magazine, Lookers chief executive Mark Raban said that the group had maintained a strong flow of used car stock despite the sector’s current stocking crisis.

He also revealed plans to create a new network of used car dealerships, echoing recent moves by Inchcape, Peter Vardy Group and Pendragon’s recently re-launched CarStore division.

Raban told AM Lookers is planning a network of ‘mother ship’ retail sites, surrounded by smaller ‘click and collect’ locations. He would not, however, disclose a number or locations.

Opening Newcastle’s new Lookers Premium dealership, group chief operating officer, Duncan McPhee, said: “Supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team, Lookers Premium Newcastle provides a window to a wide range of motoring possibilities on offer from right across the UK and Ireland and we look forward to evolving this concept elsewhere in the months and years ahead.”