THE region’s biggest independent motor group is looking to become a key player in commercial vehicles after making two new acquisitions.

Benfield Motor Group has bought the third largest commercial vehicle site in the country at Thornaby, near Stockton, for £350,000, creating 13 jobs. It has also taken on a site in Carlisle.

Added to its Benfield Van Centre in Fossway, Newcastle, the company – which already supplies vehicles to companies such as Northgate and Asda – has a commercial vehicle presence throughout the North and into the Borders.

The family-owned company, which employs 1,100 people at 30 dealerships throughout the North, has already become the UK’s biggest Volkswagen commercial vehicle dealer through its existing portfolio and addition of the Carlisle site from Verve Ltd, and is now keen to expandthe division.

Mark Squires, chief executive of Benfield Motor Group, said: “The new sites represent a terrific opportunity to expand Benfield’s reputation as a leading commercial vehicle supplier to businesses throughout the UK.”