Vertu motors ahead with first Alpine dealership

A Gateshead-headquartered automotive retailer is shifting up a gear after opening its first dealership with French sportscar manufacturer Alpine.

Vertu has launched Alpine Store Nottingham on Haydn Road, marking the beginning of a new relationship with the Renault-owned performance brand.

More than £400,000 is being invested in the dealership, which occupies Vertu’s previous Honda Motorcycle showroom and sits alongside its existing Renault and Dacia operations.

Bosses say the Nottingham opening will create a number of new roles while broadening Vertu’s manufacturer portfolio and giving Alpine its first dedicated retail presence in the East Midlands as it expands across the UK.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu, said: “We are delighted to expand our relationship with Renault through the opening of our first Alpine dealership.

“Alpine is famous for producing some iconic models through the years, with the current line-up being particularly impressive as the brand moves into a new all-electric era.

“We look forward to welcoming customers to our new-look Nottingham site to enjoy the full Alpine experience, and to developing a successful relationship with the brand.”

Customers across the East Midlands will be able to explore Alpine’s two fully-electric UK models, the A290 and A390.

The performance-focused A290 takes inspiration from Alpine’s Formula One and World Endurance Championship programmes and was joint winner of the 2025 European Car of the Year alongside the Renault 5.

Meanwhile, the five-door A390 fastback combines GT performance with everyday practicality and is described by Alpine as a “racing car in a suit”.

Matt Reilly, general manager of Alpine Store Nottingham, added: “It’s hugely exciting for everyone at the dealership to be involved in introducing Alpine to the region, and we are also proud to be the first Alpine Store within the Vertu Group.

“Both the A290 and the A390 have made a real impression since being introduced to the UK market and we look forward to welcoming customers – old and new – to see what the Alpine range has to offer.”

Originally founded in the 1950s, Alpine has been owned by Renault since 1973 and was relaunched as a standalone brand in 2017.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.