SsangYong UK Cars Ltd (SYUK) has held its first dealer conference to introduce the key personnel behind the company and to discuss its product, sales and marketing plans for 2004 and beyond.

With over 60 dealer staff in attendance, the conference was addressed by SYUK chairman Gerard O'Toole and Peter Ellis, managing director. Peter Ellis, managing director said: "We wanted our dealers to fully understand not just the relationship between SYUK and SsangYong Motor Company, but what's happening in the rest of Europe, too. The conference also provided a platform from which to confirm our long-term commitment to the brand, and to start building a strong and open business partnership between us all.

He added, "We are still receiving daily 'phone calls from prospective dealers interested in the SsangYong franchise, many of whom have been recommended by those who have already signed with us. During the remainder of this year, we expect to recruit a further 20 dealers, and this should ensure that we achieve our sales objectives for 2004," he added.