Lloyd Motor Group has broadened its portfolio with the inclusion of the Volkswagen brand, and strengthened its position with Kia, after acquiring a West Cumbrian business.
The acquisition of N&M Walkingshaw Limited completed on April 30, welcoming 24 new colleagues into the Lloyd Motor Group.
Additional investment could generate create new roles in West Cumbria, aligning with the current growth plan.
Lloyd Motor Group has been a fixture in the region since its origins in 1976 with Lloyd Cockermouth BMW, which still operates there alongside Lloyd Cockermouth MINI.
This acquisition bolsters the Group's presence with the incorporation of Volkswagen and Kia, and ensures ongoing growth and professional opportunities for its workforce.
The existing Walkingshaw premises in Lillyhall, Workington will serve as the base for Lloyd Volkswagen and Lloyd Kia.
Lloyd Kia sites are already operational in Carlisle, and the forthcoming Lloyd Kia South Lakes site is under construction in Levens, South Cumbria.
Andy Walkingshaw, managing director of Walkingshaw, said: "The business has been part of our family for almost 56 years, and serving our customers in West Cumbria has been a privilege.
"However, with increasing commercial complexity and the market continuing to consolidate, we felt it was the right time to allow a larger group to take the business to the next level.
"I have no doubt Sam and Bryan Lloyd will look after our customers and our fantastic team."
This transaction takes place against the backdrop of substantial growth in new car sales across the Volkswagen and Kia brands.
In 2023, Volkswagen became the UK's highest-selling new car brand, capturing a market share of 8.5 per cent and selling more than 162,000 new cars.
Kia also observed significant success within the UK, securing the sixth spot in best-selling brands, with more than 107,000 new car sales.
Sam Lloyd, managing director of Lloyd Motor Group said: "The two brands represent an exciting opportunity for us.
"Walkingshaw has been a successful, family-run business for over 50 years, so they feel like a great fit for Lloyd Motor Group in terms of ethos and geography.
"We’re very much looking forward to getting started, and we wish Andrew all the best in the future."
The family-owned Lloyd Motor Group now employs more than 1,200 individuals across ten franchise brands and four in-house brands, from locations spanning the north of England and south of Scotland.
For more information, visit www.lloydmotorgroup.com.
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