A SECOND luxury car dealer is set to move into Canute Square in the heart of Knutsford.

Leading luxury electric car company Tesla has decided to put Knutsford firmly on the map for eco-drivers by choosing to open its third UK showroom in the centre of the town.

Monckton Properties, part of the Tatton Estate, has confirmed that the former M&Co store on Canute Square has been let to the specialist American electric car company.

Due to open in December 2014, the new-look 3,000sq ft showroom will be home to the latest range of Tesla’s premium zero emissions cars, ranging in price from £50,280 to £69,080.

The store, which will also house a service centre and specially designed fast charging points, could bring as many as 19 jobs to the town.  

Tesla has more than 125 stores worldwide and this store will be the company’s third UK showroom after London and Birmingham.

The firm's decision to set up base in Knutsford follows the arrival of supercar manufacturer McLaren who are based around the corner and moved into the town in spring 2011.

A spokesperson for Monckton Properties said: “We are thrilled to have attracted such a prestigious brand to the heart of Knutsford. This will be another massive boost for the town centre and a vote of confidence for Knutsford as an important location in the Northern Powerhouse.

“We’re looking forward to Tesla playing an active role in the local businesses community and helping to attract even more footfall to the town centre.”

Tesla has been credited with accelerating the world's transition to electric mobility. It first gained widespread attention in 2008 following the production of the Tesla Roadster, the first fully electric sports car, which can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and travel for 245 miles per charge.

The company's second vehicle is the Model S, a fully electric luxury sedan, and its next three vehicles are the Models X, 3, and D, respectively.