SsangYong Motors UK has expanded its franchised retail network into Whitley Bay with the opening of a new dealership operated by Oakwood Specialist Cars.

The specialist 4x4 retailer, which was founded back in 2004, will operate the Korean manufacturer’s newest car retail franchise from its site on the Foxhunters Trading Estate in Whitley Bay.

Mike Miller, dealer principal at Oakwood Specialist Cars, said: “We are very happy to become the latest member of the SsangYong family.

“We’ve been aware for a long time of just how good the SsangYong product has become and so we are really happy to represent the brand here on Tyneside. It’s an exciting time for us.”

He added: “The award-winning products come with a market-leading 7-year warranty, which not only proves a quiet confidence on behalf of SsangYong but more importantly, gives our future customers peace of mind. We are behind SsangYong 100 per cent.”

SsangYong Motor UK said in a statement that, following the successful launch of its flagship 4x4 Rexton and the award-winning Musso pick-up, the manufacturer is now preparing for the launch of the all-new Korando, which was unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in March.

Nick Laird, managing director of SsangYong Motor UK, said: “We are delighted that Oakwood SsangYong is joining the SsangYong franchise – they are a good dealership, passionate about 4x4 vehicles, and I’m confident that they will provide excellent service to both existing and new SsangYong customers.”

SsangYong is actively looking for dealers to represent the brand in a number of locations.

The brand revealed that its current open points include: Birmingham - north, Bristol, Inverness, Liverpool, Oxford, Portsmouth, Southampton, Teesside and Telford.