Kia Motors (UK) is restructuring some parts of its internal teams to create a new stand-alone dealer development department to be headed by a board director.

Kia says the new department has been created to add increased focus on the customer experience and dealership profitability.

Michael Cole, Kia UK managing director, said: “This brand has undergone dramatic growth over the past few years and with the expected future development we have in mind it is the right time to undertake this restructure.

“A number of new roles and the creation of a new main board director will help us provide even better service and support to our growing dealer network and to enhance the customer experience when they come to the brand.”

The changes mean the existing dealer commercial, academy and franchising teams will be brought together along with new functions aimed at supporting dealer efforts to enhance customer experiences in both the buying and owning areas.

The restructure will also see Kia’s logistics and dealer support functions moving from aftersales and logistics to the sales department.

Cole added: “We have seen our network grow from less than 150 to the current near-170 mark and we have plans to develop the network further.

“We also want to see our dealers improving their profitability and their individual growth as the brand continues to grow. We recognise we need to have a better structure as we continue our development towards a strong and successful position in both retail and business sales and it is a priority for me to ensure we provide the right elements to build our partnership with our dealers."