Bruce Linton, head of the James Keiller Estates group of property companies, which owns the former estate, said it was likely two more new motor franchises could soon put in an appearance on the site.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the city, moves to bring a £23 million development to a prominent vacant site are still in the pipeline.

Mr Linton, who is involved in the joint venture with Camlin Investments to establish an office complex and hotel on the area formerly occupied by Mitchell Car Hire at the Marketgait-Nethergate junction, said the development was now out to offer to two hotel operators.

The plans were given approval at the beginning of the year for the establishment of a 114-room hotel and 70,000 square feet of office space.

Mr Linton said one of the operators was Holiday Inn Express and the other Accor Hotels, a Paris based operator with around 200 hotels UK-wide.

— Vandals caused an estimated £3000 worth of damage to vehicles at the John Weir Mercedes-Benz car dealership on Kings Cross Road, Dundee, at the weekend, police said today.

Various makes and models were attacked by alleged stone throwers. Windows on three cars were smashed and bodywork on others damaged.

The vandalism is believed to have happened between 6.30pm on Friday and 1.15pm yesterday and anyone who can help police inquiries should call 01382 223200, or contact any officer.