CAR dealership executive Darren Harper has moved into the fast lane by launching his own Japanese specialist used car company.

He is harnessing his expertise and experience in the trade to set up the Bell Lane Car Centre, Bury, along with business partner and girlfriend Rosalind Leigh.

The new dealership, which has been established in premises vacated last November, will sell a range of popular Japanese imports of 4x4s, MPV, sports cars and special editions not normally available in this country.

With 16 years of experience in the motor sector behind him, Mr Harper has launched his first-ever sole business venture.

Previously, he worked for a number of companies. He started out at a used car garage in Radcliffe before going to Citroen in Bury. He also worked at the Whitefield-based Mercedes dealership and also had spells at Richard Cort and Elton RRG and. He has fulfilled both sales manager and general manager roles.

Mr Harper (35), said: "We will be selling our cars on an individual to retail basis. I'd always worked for many other dealers so I've decided to set up on my own. We will be a real independent dealership."

Ms Leigh's experience as a web designer will be put to good use, ultimately providing Bell Lane Car Centre with a presence on the Internet.