SsangYong Motor UK has taken over control and management of its vehicle importation and reception base at Portbury, Bristol and created the SsangYong Vehicle Preparation Centre. The decision followed a detailed tender process and a study into the ongoing needs of the franchise carried out in conjunction with automotive vehicle logistics consultancy, alljoinedup.
The new facility – a major investment for the brand, includes a new fully equipped five ramp workshop, complete with 14 accessory bays and parts storage. The move secures the employment of 18 staff, and there is the opportunity to employ a further 10 car preparation specialists as volumes grow.
“This is a big but essential step for SsangYong in the UK, and underlines our commitment to giving dealers the best service possible,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “As well as preparing cars to the highest standard, we will also be able to expedite deliveries so dealers get the cars they need more quickly.”
New quality control and vehicle tracking systems have already been implemented. The centre can currently process 150 cars a week with a mix of standard pre-delivery work and accessorising, with the potential to increase this to 250; the compound accommodates 1,400 vehicles, with the potential to expand this to 1,800 as demand rises.