10:03 am, September 24, 2019
SHELBOURNE Motors has opened its new £5m multi-franchise complex in Newry with the creation of 60 jobs.
The 50,000 sq ft development features state-of-the-art showrooms for global car manufacturers Renault, Dacia and Kia plus a purpose-built Autoselect used car supermarket, as well as new car handover bays, drive-in service centre and lounge-style waiting area.
The 60 new jobs fill a number of key roles in customer service, sales and technical support at the family-owned vehicle retailer’s multi-franchise complex.
Sales director Paul Ward Shelbourne Motors said: ‘The opening of our new £5m multi-franchise complex in Newry is a significant landmark moment for our business. It is the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance to fulfil our ambitions of expanding into the Newry and Mourne area.
Financial director Caroline Willis with sales directors Paul Ward, centre, and Richard Ward at the new Shelbourne Motors complex in Newry
‘We worked with Clarman Architects and [builders] O’Hare & McGovern to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that matched our long-term vision and they certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s been meticulously designed and constructed to provide an unequalled sales and after-care experience to customers.
‘We look forward to welcoming all of our customers – old and new – to experience its sleek and modern layout with its host of technologically advanced features.’
The addition of Kia to the family-owned vehicle retailer’s franchise portfolio expands the number of manufacturers it represents to five across its Newry and Portadown sites.
A deal with Renault and Dacia strengthens Shelbourne Motors’ relationship with the French car manufacturer, having operated a franchise of the brand at its Portadown headquarters since 2003.
Ward added: ‘The Kia and Renault partnerships position Shelbourne Motors as the only dedicated dealership supplying new and used Renault, Dacia and Kia vehicles in the Newry and Mourne area.
‘These global manufacturers are a perfect fit for us and we believe we have delivered spectacular showrooms and top-class staff synonymous with the market-leading qualities of each brand.’
Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward family in 1973 and its Portadown headquarters operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as the used car supermarket, an accident repair centre and valet centre.
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