Leading automotive retailer Ridgeway Group has strengthened its position in the Thames Valley by acquiring two additional Volkswagen dealerships in Oxford.

The Group has purchased sites previously operated by Motorworld Volkswagen at Iffley Road and Kidlington – renaming the businesses Ridgeway Oxford.

The takeover, which also includes Motorworld’s Preparation and Bodyshop at Enstone just outside the city, increases Ridgeway’s Volkswagen sites to five – the two Oxford dealerships joining Newbury, Reading and Wantage. Currently ranked as the 25th Largest Motor Retail Group by Automotive Magazine, Ridgeway already runs Audi and Skoda franchises in Oxford and its expanding portfolio also includes Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle operations and a smart retailer across the south coast.

All staff formerly employed by Motorworld have transferred to Ridgeway – increasing the company’s workforce from 650 to 740 employees.

“The acquisition of the two Oxford sites is a perfect strategic fit for us in terms of their locations being contiguous to our existing businesses,” said David Newman, Ridgeway Group chairman. “We are delighted to enhance our Volkswagen portfolio, increase our representation to existing and prospective Volkswagen owners across the Thames Valley and expand our service and product offering, which includes our used car stock exceeding 1,000 vehicles for the first time.”

John O’Hanlon, chief executive, added: “The Ridgeway Group was established in 1997 with two of our existing Volkswagen outlets at Newbury and Wantage, so these latest purchases maintain our association with the brand and strengthens our fantastic relationship with the Volkswagen Group.

“In terms of excellence and experience, we have inherited superb teams at both our new sites,” he continued. “We welcome them all to the Ridgeway family and look forward to them providing customers with the outstanding levels of service that our Group is renowned for.”