Ian Armstrong, a former director and dealer principal of East Midlands car dealer group Unity Automotive, has joined SsangYong UK as its dealer commercial manager for the south.

Armstrong (pictured right) brings over 25 years of retail sales and dealer management experience to the role, having worked previously with Stan Palmer and Conders Garage before its acquisition by Unity Automotive.

He has some 18 years' knowledge of the SsangYong brand, the carmaker said.

Armstrong takes the role vacated by Neil Pemberton (pictured left), who has been appointed technical services and aftersales manager.

He is now responsible for providing technical support, training and aftersales guidance to the dealer network, and for the management of all warranty administration, product and accessory development, homologation and insurance group ratings.

In addition, Ian Anderson has joined the company as financial controller, and is based at the company’s facilities in Luton.

Welcoming these new appointments, Paul Williams, chief executive of SsangYong Motor UK said: “There’s growing confidence in the SsangYong brand at all levels, and this is clearly being demonstrated through increased vehicle, accessory and aftermarket sales.

"We continue to be quietly optimistic about business for the rest of the year, and with an all-new B-segment car joining our existing four model range early next year, need to gear-up for this additional activity in 2015 and beyond. I warmly welcome these first new appointments ahead of this period of sustained growth.”