A family business has revealed a £200,000 investment in a Carlisle showroom as it takes on the Honda franchise in the city.
Stan Palmer has been selling cars in Cumbria for three generations since the 1950s. Adding the Carlisle Honda franchise to its portfolio will create around four new jobs.
The Rosehill showroom is undergoing a major refit and managing director Neil Palmer said: “Everyone at Stan Palmer is very upbeat about us becoming the new name for Honda in Carlisle. We have been selling Hondas for 25 years in Cumbria so it’s a natural way for us to strengthen and expand our relationship with them.
“We’re giving the showroom a facelift which should be complete in April ready for the easing of lockdown restrictions.
“Everything will be new and reflecting the Honda brand with a modern, crisp feel to the showroom,” he said.
Stan Palmer already sells Honda from its Cockermouth showroom and its successful relationship with the brand has seen it regularly placed in its top 10 dealerships for customer service across the UK.
Stan Palmer, which employs nearly 50 people in Cumbria, also sells Suzuki and Isuzu in Carlisle and Ford in Bolton Low Houses, Wigton.
When the showroom reopens in April electric cars are likely to be high on the agenda for many customers.
Honda is committed to having a fully electrified range by 2022 with new models out later this year.
“Electric and hybrid cars are growing in popularity all the time. Cars like the Honda E which came out last year are getting a lot of attention with more models due this year,” Neil said.
The motor industry is hoping that lockdown restrictions for non-essential retail end next month as planned, Neil said, adding: “We look forward to welcoming old and new customers into our showroom when restrictions are lifted and until then a click and collect service will remain.”
