SsangYong Motor UK hopes to help dealer “get the car they need more quickly” after establishing its own vehicle importation and reception base at Portbury, Bristol.

The nine-acre SsangYong Vehicle Preparation Centre includes a new fully equipped five-ramp workshop, complete with 14 accessory bays and parts storage. 

Paul Williams, chief executive of SsangYong Motor UK, described the move as an “essential step for SsangYong in the UK”.

Williams added that the creation of the new facility, which secures the employment of 18 staff, “underlines our commitment to giving dealers the best service possible.

He added: “As well as preparing cars to the highest standard, we will also be able to expedite deliveries so dealers get the cars they need more quickly.”

New quality control and vehicle tracking systems have already been implemented by SsangYong at the centre, which can currently process 150 cars a week with a mix of standard pre-delivery work and accessorising.

There is potential to increase this to 250 with the addition of extra staff, however.

The compound accommodates 1,400 vehicles, with the potential to expand this to 1,800 as demand rises.