Glyn Hopkin has joined the Kia Motor UK franchise with the opening of its first dealership for the Korean car manufacturer in Romford.

The AM100 group has moved its Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Fiat and Jeep multi-brand FCA Group franchise out of the location on High Road, Chadwell Heath, Romford, to make way for the brand.

The FCA operation has moved into its nearby Nissan showroom, AM understands.

A comment posted on the Glyn Hopkin website said: “We are extremely pleased to announce the opening of our very first KIA showroom in Romford, officially open from Monday 23rd December.

“The addition of Kia adds to what is already a very impressive selection within our group portfolio as we strive to continue to offer our customers as much choice as possible throughout our group.”

The Romford-based retail group now operates with 13 manufacturer brands across over 50 sites in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, London, Suffolk, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Glyn Hopkin’s latest published annual financial results, for the period to December 31, 2018, showed a turnover of £436 million – up around 2.3% from £426m in 2017 – as profit before tax declined by around 66.7% from £3.3m to £1.1m.

The year saw the group join the MG Motor UK network with a new franchise point on Romford Road, Manor Park, along with new Suzuki dealerships on Epping New Road, Buckhurst Hill, and Newmarket Road, Cambridge.

Last summer Glyn Hopkin launched a recruitment drive after growth in the South East prompted the car retail group to open applications for “dozens of aftersales posts” – including apprenticeships and full-time technician posts.

The Romford-based group, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, employed over 850 staff at the time but iwas looking to bolster its ranks by placing a particular emphasis on its search for new qualified Vehicle Technicians at NVQ level 2 and 3 standard.

Managing director, Fraser Cohen, said: “Glyn Hopkin is a great place to work and the diversity of brands we work with mean that there is never a dull moment in any job role.

“Our very low levels of staff turnover underline our commitment to training and career development.

“Our aftersales departments are among the best in the business, and talented school-leavers and experienced technicians alike will join a very capable and highly motivated team.”