Lookers plans new state-of-the art Mercedes-Benz and smart dealership in Brighton

Lookers Plc, one of the UK’s leading automotive retail and service groups, is planning a futuristic, car retailer in Portslade, Brighton, as part of a significant investment in modern, state-of-the art design and environmental sustainability, it confirmed today.

The proposal to Brighton and Hove City Council includes plans to replace two existing retailers which accommodate Mercedes-Benz and smart on the same site at Victoria Road with a new, two-storey showroom, constructed using one of the most advanced building management systems in the automotive retail industry.

Committed to being UK consumers’ first choice for all-electric, low carbon driving, the new Lookers dealership will incorporate 17 dedicated EV charging bays adjacent to the new building that will feature solar panels, air source heat pumps and LED lighting.

Around 95 staff are already employed at the Portslade retailer, which is expected to increase to more than 115 once plans are approved for the new facility which will house a workshop, MOT bay and dedicated cosmetic repair facilities.

Welcoming the plans, Keith Caddick, Operations Director, Mercedes-Benz Division, said: “We are delighted to confirm our plans to invest in a new, next-generation retailer in Portslade, showcasing Mercedes-Benz and smart and their innovative, sustainable range of luxury cars in a stunning, carbon-conscious building that accurately reflects our short, medium and long term sustainability ambitions.”

Internally, the double-height, two-storey building spanning 3,250 sq. metres will accommodate a large new vehicle display area, a customer lounge, two receptions, sales rooms and office accommodation while an external handover bay, 17 workshop bays and an MOT bay will complement the fully integrated design which includes enhanced customer parking and secure cycle spaces in newly landscaped surroundings.

Lookers said the existing fully staffed dealerships will remain open as usual as part of its plans to phase construction of the new, high spec facilities.

Lookers’ Chief Operating Officer, Duncan McPhee, said: “Our focus and vision is to deliver an excellent customer service in contemporary and sustainable facilities that reflect our commitment and ambition to lead the industry. This significant investment in Portslade and in Mercedes-Benz and smart will deliver a new, enhanced experience for all customers and staff in a superb, vibrant environment that will help to turbocharge the journey towards all-electric driving and a low carbon future.”

Last year, Lookers made a series of significant investments in its dealership network across the UK and Ireland. Its plans for Portslade, which were submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council, are its first for 2023.

Founded in 1908, Lookers is one of the largest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers and specialising in new and used electric car sales across a network of over 150 franchised locations.