Police are investigating a fire, believed to be suspicious, at a Port Melbourne car dealership in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at a Chery car dealership on Plummer Street about 4:50am.
The dealership opened last week, and its owners said it was Australia’s largest dealership selling Chery cars, a Chinese manufacturer.
Dealership manager Victor Sargin told ABC Radio Melbourne the main damage to the site appeared to be smoke-related.
“It looks like they’ve poured some fuel on the floor [and] lit it up,” he said.
“Luckily, the floors are hard floors, so those flames have only caught onto some furniture and the reception desk at the front.
“It does look like one particular car has caught on fire, but at this point in time, it looks like a lot of smoke damage rather than anything else.”
Mr Sargin said he was unsure of the motivation behind the fire and that no threats had been made.
Firefighters entered the showroom with breathing apparatus and found multiple cars on fire and heavy smoke filling the showroom.
The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.
Victoria Police’s arson squad have been investigating the cause of the blaze.
No-one was believed to be inside at the time of the fire.
Officers have not yet confirmed whether the incident will be investigated by the specialist Operation Eclipse task force, which is probing a spate of arson attacks on hospitality venues they believe could be orchestrated by organised crime groups.
This week alone, at least three incidents have been added to the Operation Eclipse investigation.
Anyone with information or footage of the incident in Port Melbourne is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.