SsangYong recruited 16 new dealer partners in 2021

SsangYong Motors UK has opened 16 new dealerships in the last year, including 14 ex-Mitsubishi sites, and plans further expansion in 2022.

The growth comes in the midst of uncertainty in the automotive sector, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and global semiconductor shortage, where new car sales are struggling to recover from a "disasterous" 2020.

SsangYong Motors UK differs from other brands as it charges no up-front fees, zero-cost signage, and no charges for special tools or computer diagnostics - ensuring that representing the brand is highly appealing and easily accessible.

Dave Rose, head of franchising for SsangYong Motors UK, said: “We want to make it easy for dealers to join our franchise, so we’ve removed unnecessary barriers. We have big plans in place to develop the network even further over the next 12 months and if we achieve these plans, we will be absolutely delighted.”

The company expects to have 75 dealerships by mid-2022.

In recent months, the brand has welcomed Holt Ssangyong, Close Motor Company’s new retail site in Peterborough, PJ Nicholls' SsangYong Pershore, Livingstone Motor Group’s switch from Mitsubishi to Ssangyong in Hull, and the Bicester Motor Company's Ssangyong dealership near Bicester.

Abarth, Fiat, Honda and Suzuki franchisee Balmer Lawn Group is the most recent franchisee, with the opening of a new dealership in Southampton.

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, said: “This brand has undergone dramatic transformation over the past few of years with the implementation of a new growth strategy and the introduction of new and more exciting products, whilst maintaining a firm focus on the expansion of our dealer network.

“Our dealer portfolio is of paramount importance to our customers. Our focus on filling open points and appointing new, good dealers will help the brand to generate more awareness and provide buyers with even more confidence.”

SsangYong is not the only brand in the race to recruit. MG Motor UK is leading a similar charge, having appointed 40 new dealers in 2021.

SsangYong Motor was put under court receivership in April, in South Korea, after it filed for court receivership in December 2020. The company recently filed an application with the Seoul Bankruptcy Court indicating that it hopes to be purchased by a consortium led by electric bus and truck maker Edison Motors.