South coast Volkswagen retailer Peter Cooper has been on the expansion trail with the opening of its latest showroom in Chichester.

The group, which this month marks 21 years as a Volkswagen retailer, has taken over the Whyke premises in Bognor Road. All staff have been retained.

The addition of Chichester to the Peter Cooper network comes at a time of record sales for the group.

Last month it sold 436 cars from its three outlets.

Brand manager Darren Cooper said: "We are delighted to take on the Chichester outlet which complements our existing sites in Portsmouth and Hedge End.

"We are already investing in the staff and facilities at Peter Cooper Chichester with employees going through the Volkswagen Academy Training Centre and the introduction of a larger fleet of courtesy vehicles.

"Customers can take advantage of the same friendly and personal environment but with the benefit of the retailer being part of a larger, Volkswagen network.''

Wednesday October 22, 2003