JCB Group has rebranded the Kent-based Hidsons Group dealerships it bought in January this year.
The acquired dealerships in Northfleet and Rainham complimented its existing outlets in Ashford, Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Crawley, Worthing, Brighton and Eastbourne.
The acquisition meant JCP represented Kia, Citroen, Mitsubishi and SsangYong for the first time.
JCB Group managing director Jonathan Bischoff said: “We’ve worked really hard over the past eight months, ensuring that the dealerships previously owned by the Hidsons Group benefited from our larger scale, making investments in staff training and improvements to premises to ensure that customers benefit from a far greater offering.
“As well-known and established names in the area, the decision to bring these two families together under one title was not taken lightly.
“However, as we look to the future and expand into new operations, it’s important that we present a clear identity to our customers, staff and our suppliers.
“By introducing the JCB trading name at the sites in Northfleet (Ebbsfleet) and Rainham, operating one website and a staff uniform, we hope that we’ve simplified customer choice,” he said.
Bischoff set up the JCB Group 20 years ago. It now employs 500 staff throughout Kent and Sussex.
The acquisition will push JCB up the Motor Trader Top 200 when it is currently ranked 105 with annual turnover of £115.5m.