Clive Messenger joins SsangYong as sales director

SsangYong Motors UK has appointed ex-Mitsubishi fleet boss Clive Messenger as its new sales director.

He joins the business as part of its strategy to boost both retail and fleet sales.

Messenger has worked in the motor industry all his working life, starting as an apprentice technician and moving on to several different roles within Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

He departed the brand following its announcement that it would no longer sell new cars in the UK.

SsangYong hopes the expansion of its leadership team will deliver a more cohesive approach to both retail and fleet markets, providing further points of contact for dealers and direct supply customers.

Messenger said: “It’s a very exciting time for SsangYong, with a plethora of new vehicles, and an ambitious but sustainable growth strategy. I am delighted to join the team in this stage of its development, and hope that the array of experience I have can help build upon the excellent foundations that are already in place.

“The addition of my role will support network growth, allow us to spend more time supporting our dealers, share best practices and ensure we maximise new retail and fleet opportunities. By adding greater value and focus to our dealers, we will help to improve sales, the customer experience and levels of profitability all-round.”

SsangYong’s future was called in to question earlier this year when the manufacturer filed for bankruptcy to South Korea’s Seoul Bankruptcy Court, after the impact of the coronavirus pandemic left it facing financial difficulties.

Production of the Korando e-Motion electric vehicle has since started, with a UK launch expected in the final quarter of 2021.

Kevin Griffin, managing director for SsangYong Motors UK, added; “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Clive to the team here at SsangYong. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he will help us as we develop and grow our dealer network and vehicle sales in the UK. He also brings fresh thinking, from which we can learn and help to keep our customers happier, for longer. His electric vehicle expertise will be invaluable as we look to launch a new electric vehicle shortly in the next few months.”