A long-standing Carlisle dealership has added the Suzuki brand to its roster.

Family firm Stan Palmer has joined forces with the manufacturer to open the new franchise at its Montgomery Way base.

The fully refurbished six-car showroom, plus 70-car used car forecourt, is the fourth premises to be opened in the county by the 65-year-old Stan Palmer Ltd.

The newly refurbished showroom has the full model line-up on display, including the recently added Hybrid Ignis models.

Its workshop is staffed by fully-qualified Suzuki technicians for customers taking their vehicles in for MoTs and routine maintenance.

Neil Palmer, dealer principal at Stan Palmer, said “With consumers increasingly turning to hybrids and cars with low emissions for added affordability, the Suzuki’s model range meets the needs and demographics of local drivers.

“We’ve received a high number of enquiries from motorists, so it’s been a very encouraging start as we get the new showroom up and running.”

Dale Wyatt, director of automobile at Suzuki GB, said: “We are very pleased that our brand and product range will once again be visible to the residents of Carlisle and the wider area, after this important strategic open point in our network was recently vacated. We were therefore looking for a partner that had a ready-to-go customer base and a long-standing positive reputation amongst motorists.

“Stan Palmer was the natural choice for the new franchise in Carlisle, as they are an expanding business that brings a wealth of experience and have enjoyed success in the automotive retail sector for more than six decades.”