North East dealers SG Petch have added Peugeot to their ever growing portfolio of car franchises. The move comes as the french car giant looks to replace key franchises in the tees valley area lost at the start of the credit crunch.

Peugeot Darlington, at McMullen Road, will be the new home alongside Mazda, Kia, Hyundai and Fiat. Work is already underway to extend the existing site to allow more parking space, a new and used car display as well as an all new showroom due to follow at the start of 2010.

General Manager John Sedgwick said: "The move to partner with Peugeot reflects our long term ambitions for the company. 2009 has been an exceptional year despite the downturn in the economy which has affected a lot of industries across a broad sector".

"Adding Peugeot at Darlington brings a nice balance to our existing franchises as well as volume sales. It will also cater for the Peugeot customer base which already exists in the town".

Work on the new showroom should start taking place at the end of 2009 and is scheduled for completion by spring 2010. In the meantime customers can visit the website at www.sgpetch.co.uk for more information on the full car range and Peugeot accessories and parts.