ITALIAN sporting car manufacturer Alfa Romeo is soon to join forces with the award-winning Ellesmere Port-based Corkills Motor Group, which operates across Merseyside and Lancashire.

The official launch for the partnership takes place with the opening of an Alfa showroom in Cheshire Oaks next month, creating 20 new jobs for the region.

Adrian Kermode, owner of Corkills Alfa Romeo, said: “We're looking forward to working with Alfa Romeo and we're especially proud to begin selling this iconic marque in its centenary year.

“It's such a passionate brand and products like the sporty compact MiTo and new Giulietta are fantastic cars that are selling well. Alfa Romeo is a strong addition to the Corkills portfolio and, with so many new businesses opening in Cheshire Oaks, we're in the right place at the right time.”

Damien Dally, brand communications manager for Alfa Romeo UK, said: “We are dedicated to improving the customer experience for Alfa owners across the country, and building a relationship with a dealer such as Corkills is hugely important to Alfa Romeo.

“The group has experienced huge success with high profile manufacturers and that reassures us that Alfa Romeo customers will be well looked after, and that the brand will be appropriately represented – an ideal partnership.”