THE first of 55 new Lexus dealerships is to open this spring as part of the brand separation of the marque from Toyota. Until now Lexus has shared dealerships with Toyota.

This year will see 55 purpose-built dealerships constructed to house Lexus cars away from the Toyota umbrella operating on a similar footing as Skoda or SEAT with Volkswagen. Arriva is investing £1.6 million in the construction of the 1.6-acre standalone Lexus facility, and £1.4 million on a neighbouring 1.4-acre Toyota building, both of which will be built on the Pioneer Park in Whitby Road, Bristol.

Lexus last year celebrated record sales with 3,300 units, and this year, with the launch of the IS200 in May, hopes to pass 8,000.