SsangYong Motors UK has added independent off-road vehicle sales specialist Seeker UK to its franchised car retail network with the opening of a new showroom in Chesterfield.

Located on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Seeker’s showroom and aftersales centre, on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, are located 10 minutes from junction 29 of the M1 motorway. 

The business specialises in off-road vehicles and pick-ups, stocking around 80 vehicles at any one time.

Commenting on the business’ addition to the Korean brand’s franchised retail network, Nick Laird, managing director of SsangYong Motor UK, said: “Having just launched the all-new Korando in the UK, which completes our new generation range line-up, we have been, and still are, looking to attract new dealers. 

“The focus on the expansion of our dealer network is of paramount importance to our customers, so we are delighted that Seeker SsangYong has decided to add our brand to its portfolio.”

Last month SsangYong made Durham's Fred Henderson its third appointment in a month after appointing Hampshire's Rogate and Platinum SsangYong in Frome, Somerset.

The brand now has a network of 68 retail locations after appointing ten new franchised partners during the first half of 2019.

Seeker UK owner, David Merifield, said: “We are very pleased to adopt the SsangYong franchise, and greatly look forward to growing our business as a result.

“SsangYong has a great range, and with very competitive pricing and a seven-years/150,000 miles warranty, we believe it will do extremely well in our area.”

Dealer Manager, Lee French, added: “At Seeker SsangYong we are fully committed to finding the best deal for our customers, including the best financial package and part exchange offer.

“We offer full franchised dealer facilities at our showroom in Chesterfield, where we have all SsangYong models available to view or experience an extended test drive."

Seeker SsangYong recently announced its sponsorship of the Osberton International Horse Trials 2019, taking place between October and 6. 

Highlighting the importance of the dealership’s presence at the event, French said: "SsangYong’s vehicles are hugely popular within the equine community due to value for money, space and towing capability, so we are delighted to be strengthening the ties even further at this prestigious event where we will have a vehicle stand and be offering test drives."

SsangYong, which is still actively looking for new partners to represent the brand in several open points across the UK, said in a statement that its franchised retail proposition endeavours to change how prospective retailers view operating a new-vehicle franchise by presenting no up-front fees, zero-cost signage, and no charges for special tools or computer diagnostics.

It said that the approach aimed to make the prospect of representing the brand “highly appealing and easily accessible”.