Vertu has opened its second Leapmotor dealership in Crewe, extending the Chinese brand’s reach into the North West through a shared operation with its existing Vauxhall dealership.
Vertu Leapmotor Crewe is now trading from Macon Way alongside Vertu Vauxhall Crewe. Employees at the dealership will represent both brands with customers offered new and used vehicles as well as aftersales support.
The arrangement reflects Leapmotor’s strategy of placing its dealerships within the wider Stellantis retail network and provides a way to add the franchise to an established dealership and customer base.
The Crewe opening follows the launch of Vertu’s first Leapmotor dealership in Harrogate earlier in September and strengthens the partnership between the new entrant and the AM100 dealership group.
Leapmotor launched in Europe in 2024 after Stellantis formed a joint venture with the Chinese manufacturer to establish Leapmotor International.
Four models broaden dealer choice
Leapmotor entered the UK with the T03 electric city car and C10 family SUV, which has a range of up to 263 miles.
The smaller B10 SUV and compact B05 hatchback have since joined the range, giving Vertu’s dealerships four battery electric models to offer. Range-extender versions of the B10 and C10 are also available for customers who are not ready to move to a fully electric vehicle.
Vertu said Leapmotor had outsold established manufacturers including Mazda and Honda in recent months and recorded the second-highest year-to-date market share growth of any UK car brand.
Matthew Knowles, general manager at Vertu Leapmotor Crewe, said: “We’re hugely proud that Crewe has been chosen as one of the first Leapmotor dealerships in the group.
“In a short space of time, the brand has made a significant impact on the UK EV market, with a model line-up that combines impressive technology, practicality and value.
“We look forward to welcoming people into the dealership to explore the Leapmotor range for themselves and with more new models to follow, are excited by the opportunity to represent the brand across the region.”
Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu, said: “After the successful launch of our first Leapmotor dealership in Harrogate, we are delighted to now open the doors to our second site in Crewe.
“Leapmotor has already made a huge impression in the UK market in a very short space of time and, as the range continues to expand, we look forward to introducing the brand to even more customers in Crewe and the surrounding area.
“As our relationship with Leapmotor strengthens, we are excited to support its growth and help provide even more choice for customers who are looking to make the move towards electric motoring.”
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