NEW Honda franchise director Paul Brayley believes there is massive potential for Johnsons car dealerships to become a driving force in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The 37-year-old Londoner has been appointed to develop existing business and oversee plans for the group to expand and relocate one of its sites next year.

He said: "Johnsons acquired two very strong and well established Honda sites in Wheatley and Milton Keynes earlier this year and it is time to really take the business forward.

"I have joined a new business destined for major growth and know I can play a positive part in its development.

"I can see so much potential for Johnsons to develop its brand awareness and consolidate its position in the short term, while we plan for growth in the longer term. Nurturing even stronger links with Honda is also vitally important because we are here to sell its cars and, in turn, we are supporting its investment and commitment to building more cars in the UK."

Mr Brayley, who brings more than 20 years motor trade experience to the role, is keen to point out that it is the dealership teams which are crucial to bringing about positive changes.

"The key to developing any business is developing its people," he said.

"By investing in our people through training and development, we can improve all areas of how we do business, which can only be a good thing for our customers."

He will be based at the firm's Oxford site and work closely with Tony Jones, general manager of the Milton Keynes dealership.

Story date: Wednesday 08 December

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.