AUSTRALIA‘S newest Mazda dealership has opened in Melbourne with the Clough Automotive Group’s $20 million-plus greenfields site Cranbourne Mazda now trading.

The dealership, built on a 10,000 square metre property fronting the South Gippsland Highway, is the second Mazda franchise for the Clough group following Pakenham Mazda.It also celebrates almost 50 years to the day when the Clough family started in the automotive business and also 20 years as a Mazda dealer.

The family started in Nar Nar Goon in 1994 and relocated to Pakenham in 2016. The Cranbourne dealership also follows expansion of the family’s business after opening a new GWM franchise at Pakenham two months ago.

Cranbourne Mazda dealer principal Patrick Latin told GoAutoNews Premium that the PMA in the south-east corridor of Melbourne was defined by Mazda Australia as a growth area. It also has one of the largest local government areas in the nation.

Mazda Australia then selected Clough Automotive Group as the franchisee.The dealership is on 10,000 square metres of land with the showroom and buildings covering 9000 square metres over two storeys. 

The top level is sales and administration with the lower level for the showroom and cafe, with the service centre linked by a full canopy providing weather protection for customers.

Patrick Latin

It has a large workshop with 20 service bays, a full undercover drop-off area for service clients and three delivery bays for new cars.

In addition to the latest design, fittings, features and corporate identity, the facility has a cafe-style, airport-class lounge that serves cold and hot food, including pizzas from its specially-imported oven. It also has a business centre with wi-fi.

Mr Latin said the dealership will initially employ 25 people but believes that as sales and the community expand, it would have to grow to 50 staff to meet expected demand.