Van Monster, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northgate Vehicle Hire, has opened a new centre on Allington Way on Yarm Road Industrial Estate in Darlington bringing the total number of Van Monster retail sites across the UK to eight.

Van Monster centres are already located in Birmingham, Bridlington, Colchester, Leicester, Newmains, Wakefield and Warrington.

The range of vehicles on offer at Van Monster extend from car-derived vans to small, medium and large panel vans such as Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and Ford Transits, chassis cabs and tippers from a range of leading manufacturers including Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Vauxhall as well as Citroen, Fiat, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot and Volkswagen at a wide range of prices to suit every budget.

The company believes that the opening of the Darlington complex, which immediately becomes the largest Van Monster retail centre with vehicles available for viewing and buying, represents a major opportunity to mirror the success of the other locations.

Gary Sullivan, Van Monster managing director, said: “We aim to give business and individual customers the best selection of quality used vans, at the best available price with mileage and condition to suit all budgets.

“The recession meant that many businesses were unable to afford to buy new vehicles. However, it is important for small firms and sole traders to operate modern, well maintained vans which will be more efficient than the older vehicles they are currently running by being less costly to service and maintain.

“We have experienced a significant rise in sales over recent months at our other Van Monster centres and therefore believe that now is an opportune time to further expand our network.”

Mr Sullivan said: “Van Monster is setting new standards in relation to how commercial vehicles should be sold. We believe in making sure our vans are the best in the UK and their display and presentation is critical to our success. We can give our customers the best vans, at the best price and in the best condition.”