SHELBOURNE Motors has completed a partnership with Kia Motors (UK) to bring the global car manufacturer to its new £5 million Newry complex.
Kia is the first manufacturer to be confirmed for the family-owned vehicle retailer’s new state-of-the-art multi-franchise facility that’s scheduled to open in early 2019.
The Kia partnership will see Shelbourne be the dedicated dealership supplying new and used Kia vehicles to customers in the Newry and Mourne area.
The South Korean manufacturer is one of the UK’s top selling car brands, selling more than 93,000 new vehicles in 2017.
Its range includes the compact Picanto and Stonic, the mid-sized family Cee’d; the seven-seater Sorento, as well as the award-winning Sportage.
Nigel Flude, regional franchising manager at Kia Motors (UK) said: “The vision for Shelbourne Motors’ new facility in Newry is truly spectacular and demonstrates a major commitment to the local automotive industry by the business.
“Their exceptional reputation reaches far beyond Northern Ireland and we are delighted to work with such as positive and forward-thinking business that continually strives to deliver first-class sales and after-care experience to its customers.”
The Shelbourne Motors’ 50,000 sq ft development will create 60 jobs when it officially opens, with an additional 100 jobs during construction.
It will include four car showrooms, new car handover bays, lounge-style waiting area with café and a drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop.
Paul Ward, director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “We’re delighted to partner with Kia to announce one of the world’s most popular car brands as the first franchise in Newry.
“Kia is synonymous with driving comfort, quality, reliability, technology, competitive pricing and the market-leading seven-year warranty. They are a perfect fit for us and will undoubtedly strengthen our position as one of Northern Ireland’s largest family-owned vehicle retailers.”
Shelbourne Motors (www.shelbournemotors.com) was founded by the Ward Family in 1973.
It currently employs over 130 staff at its 9-acre Portadown headquarters, where it operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a used car supermarket, accident repair centre and valet centre.
