THE Ancaster Group has expanded further into south-east England after taking over the Hyundai store at the Bluewater centre.
The digital dealership opened in 2014 in a partnership between the South Korean manufacturer and online car retail services provider Rockar.
In February 2018, Hyundai announced that its collaboration with Rockar had come to an end, with Motorline taking over management of its stores in shopping centres. However, Motorline said in July this year that it was pulling out from Bluewater as the site hadn’t given it the volume and return that it wanted.
Ancaster will offer a full new and used sales and aftersales service, supported by its south-east dealer network.
The group boasts the UK’s largest Hyundai dealership in Croydon, Surrey – a 1,200m sq m showroom that can accommodate 29 new cars in addition to its 50-car capacity forecourt. In July this year, it also opened a new Hyundai dealership in Welling, Kent.
Stephen Wood, Ancaster Group managing director, said: ‘We have a long-term business plan that features Hyundai as a key contributor to our ongoing growth.
‘Our strategy for the future relies on greater brand and product awareness with new customers across a greater portion of the south-east, so the Bluewater site fits perfectly with our plans.’
Ancaster has recruited and trained seven retail consultants to help potential buyers identify the Hyundai model most suited to them. In addition, the team will offer sales and aftersales services for new and used vehicles, alongside a full accompanied test-drive experience run from the Bluewater car park.
Hyundai Motor UK managing director Ashley Andrew said: ‘We are proud to work with our retail partner Ancaster to continue the success they’ve experienced in recent years with Hyundai in the south-east.
‘The Bluewater store will help Ancaster to increase its regional impact and our brand awareness in what is a key market for our rapidly developing fleet of electrified vehicles.’
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