ITALIANS are known for their love of cars and their wizardry as car mechanics. 30 years after leaving his homeland for St Albans, Donato Pepe is once more celebrating the expansion of his auto business.

The owner of DP Motors has just completed a massive expansion of his premises in Sutton Road to turn it into a one-stop car servicing centre.

Formerly operating from two premises he now has everything under one roof in Sutton Road where he offers a comprehensive service for most makes of car though he specialises in Italian models.

The large Italian community bring their Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Lancias to DP Motors where they can be sure their vehicles will get loving attention.

Following the expansion of his centre in what was once the old Co-op car servicing and repair garage, Donato intends to recruit extra staff this year to increase his team from four to 10.

His facilities now include servicing and repairs, welding and bodywork, MoT preparation, shock absorbers and brakes.

He has a new tyre servicing department supplying and fitting tyres as well as tracking and wheelbalancing. Car alarms are now fitted by DP, and there is a new and used car parts department. Some of the products he sells are imported direct from Italy.

Donato also provides a full car validating service in line with his on-stop centre philosophy.

”We are pleased to collect and deliver customers’ cars. We take bookings, but if it is an emergency they can come straight in,” said Donato.

“I really enjoy my work and that has helped me build my business here in St Albans. You have to keep up the momentum and that has helped me to continue expending after I started out with a small workshop in the early seventies.”

As well as car servicing, DP Motors specialises in the sale of both Italian and non-italian used cars.

DP Motors at 13-15 Sutton Road, St Albans, is open from 8.30am - 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, more information on 01727 853923 / 836673, fax 836966.

Donato Pepe, owner of DP Motors, has just completed a massive expansion of his Sutton Road premises. He is pictured (above), and with his team of mechanics.