A car dealership in Ashford has become the latest to be snapped up by the expanding Medway-based JCB Group.

It has become the new owner of Ashford Orbital which deals in vehicles by Kia and Mazda on the Orbital Park.

It is the latest step by the JCB Group to grow its footprint in the region. In December it snapped up the Marshall Volkswagon dealership in Tunbridge Wells.

It brings the number of new car and van brands under its umbrella to ten. The addition of the Ashford Orbital dealership will make the JCB Group the largest Kia dealer group in Kent.

Owner and managing director of the JCB Group, Jonathan Bischoff, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the staff and customers of Ashford Kia and Mazda into the JCB Group family.

“The ability to stock a large selection of vehicles will enhance our offering across our whole group of companies in Kent, Sussex and beyond as our online offering increases too. I am very excited for the future.”

The businesses will continue to be known as Ashford Orbital Kia and Mazda. The Mitsubishi Authorised Repair Centre on site will continue.