Chinese electric car brand GWM Ora UK has increased its dealerships in the north of England with a partnership with Holdcroft, while Citygate Group has opened its first GWM Ora dealership at High Wycombe.
Holdcroft has now opened a full GWM Ora dealership at Crewe plus an authorised repairer workshop at Stoke-on-Trent.
Citygate's dealership is currently GWM Ora's closest one to London.
Toby Marshall, managing director of GWM ORA UK, said: “With so much exciting news and activity on the horizon for the GWM ORA brand, it’s important that we accelerate our recruitment of retailer partners to help support our operations and commercial targets in the UK.
"As our latest retailer appointments, Holdcroft and Citygate will offer customers fantastic levels of customer service and a friendly and welcoming space to explore the GWM ORA brand.”
The GWM Ora UK network is on track to have 20 full sales sites open by the end of 2023.
Currently focused on just one model, the GWM Ora Funky Cat, franchisees are set to get more model lines in the future as IM Group, which is the licensed distributor in the UK, imports them.
Simon Mclaughlin, managing director of Citygate Automotive, which also represents Volkswagen, Skoda, Cupra, Seat and Kia, said: “GWM ORA is a really exciting new brand to launch into the UK market, offering fantastic levels of specification in its products as well as a premium look and feel.
"We are confident that our customers will love experiencing ORA Funky Cat First Edition and can’t wait to welcome them to our new showroom.”
At Holdcroft, its GWM ORA franchise director Luke Regan said: “We are super excited at Holdcroft to be a part of this special journey with GWM ORA and the promising future with the all-electric model range that is with us and upcoming.
He added: "We believe that GWM Ora offers an alternative premium for our customer and in comparison to what is already available in the marketplace.”
Spotlight on the customer
In this issue:
What consumers really want - trends and habits dealers must understand to provide the right buying experience
Barriers to EV purchase - many private motorists need extra help before they take the plunge
Delighting used car buyers - it's essential for retailers to offer tailored experiences and great value
Aftersales customer care - valuable interactions are vital as dealerships face fishing in a diminishing pool
A customer-first future - Steve Young, ICDP MD, gives AM an exclusive insight.
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An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
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