OMC Motor Group has taken on Kia in Oldham, replacing former franch-isee Lythgoe in the area.

The dealership, which is adjacent to OMC Motor Group’s existing Ford showroom, will house eight cars and is expected to sell 100 cars in its first year.

Robin Eglin, OMC Kia director, said he hoped this would rise to more than 200 units within three to four years.

Eglin took on the franchise after OMC moved its commercial sales to a new location, leaving space at its former site.

He said Kia, as part of the world’s fifth largest carmaker, was a good brand to have with a positive future profile.

It also suits Oldham. “They are inexpensive cars which suits the general demographic of this area,” said Eglin.

Former Kia franchise Lythgoe Motor Group continues to sell Citroën at its Oldham site and following Kia’s departure, Mazda is also represented there.

Lythgoe’s Kia dealership in Wigan has also closed.