AUTOMOTIVE group Hendy has launched a recruitment drive for staff to join three new dealerships being built in Eastleigh.

The new dealerships for Honda, Kia and Mazda are due to open in December with the group’s current site in Leigh Road set to be dedicated to Ford car and commercial products.

Around 90 people are set to work at the new dealerships with recruitment now underway for service advisors, vehicle technicians and sales executives.

Hendy is looking for 18 new members of staff to join the group ahead of the opening in December.

A joint initiative with Eastleigh Borough Council, the new showrooms will have space for 27 new cars, 120 used cars and will feature a 20 bay workshop.

The facility is being built on just over one hectare of land and features include solar panels on the roof, water recycling in the valet bay and electric charge points to meet rising demand from motorists switching to hybrid and electric cars.

We’re delighted to that we will have three new state of the art dealerships which will also provide valuable employment in the area,” said chief executive Paul Hendy.

“This investment in new facilities is part of our overall expansion plans and we are now looking for a wide range of skills to join the new team.”

Hendy currently has 12 franchises in 25 locations and employs more than 1,000 people in Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Devon.