12:01PM, Thu Aug 30, 2012

Benfield Motors Opens First Dedicated Maserati Dealership In Newcastle

By Nisha Joshi Location: Newcastle

Benfield, the North East’s largest Motor Group, has been chosen by Maserati to operate its first official dedicated Maserati dealership in the UK.

The showroom in Heaton will sell both new and old models of the Italian luxury car.

It has already been visited by celebrities and footballers.

General Manager Dax Pearce said: "We have had one or two in already.

"We've had a range of people in here and so far we are pleased with progress."

Despite the North East having the highest unemployment rate in the country, the North East Chamber of Commerce said there was a market for luxury goods in the region.

NECC Head of Member relations Jonathan Walker said: "It's no surprise that [Maserati] have chosen to come here.

"Where we have seen growth in consumer spending, it's been at the top end, the slightly more well-off customers.

"That's not to say that people aren't struggling at the moment.

"We're often overlooked compared to some of the more cosmopolitan areas in London and the South East, but there are people up here willing to spend this kind of money."