TWO Volkswagen dealerships in Oxford have been sold — after just a few weeks in the hands of a new owner.

Motorworld Volkswagen at Iffley Road and Kidlington were bought by Johnson Cars in December from the Co-op, along with six other dealerships.

Now they have been sold on to the Ridgeway group, along with Motorworld’s preparation and bodyshop at Enstone.

Mike Berwick, operations director of Johnson Cars, said: "It was a back-to-back deal and we sold them on almost simultaneously. We have kept the marques that fit with our other dealerships."

All 90 staff will transfer to Ridgeway.

Philip Deacon of Ridgeway said: "We're expanding in a tough market, but we have strong brands and tight territory.

Ridgeway group was set up by David Newman and John O'Hanlon in 1997 with VW dealerships in Wantage, Newbury and Reading. It is now the 25th largest motor retail group in the UK, according to Automotive Magazine.

It runs Audi franchises in Kidlington and Newbury, and in 1999 bought the Skoda dealership in Abingdon Road, Oxford, from Jewsons.

The Motorworld deal increases the company’s workforce from 650 to 740.

M Newman said: “The acquisition of the two Oxford sites is a perfect strategic fit for us."

Mr O’Hanlon said: “In terms of excellence and experience, we have inherited superb teams at both our new sites."