Mitsubishi Motors in the UK franchisee Normandy Garage has joined the SsangYong Motors UK network with the opening of a franchised dealership at its Guilford site.

The redevelopment of the car and commercial vehicle retailer’s showroom on Guilford Road, Guilford, has liberated space for the Korean brand as Mitsubishi transitions to an aftersales-only franchise this year.

Normandy Garage's move mirrors that completed by Fownhope Garage, in Hereford, earlier this month, and Red Rose Mitsubishi, in north Birmingham, last October.

Ssangyong said in a statement that the changes had has resulted in a “spacious and comfortable showroom” which was able to accommodate the full SsangYong vehicle range.

SsangYong Motors UK managing director, Kevin Griffin, said; “We are thrilled to welcome Normandy Garage to our rapidly expanding dealer network.

“I am confident that Normandy Garage will achieve great things from the partnership, and we look forward to working with them.”

Normandy Garage, established in 1996, is a family run dealership with over 50 years of experience within the motor industry.

Ssangyong Motor UK – a division of vehicle importer Bassadone Automotive – generated 1,488 registrations in a COVID-hit 2020, down 22.9% on 2019’s 1,930.

Year-to-date to the end of March, the brand has delivered 22.5% growth with 310 registrations (2020: 253).

This year the breabnd will welcome a new version of its Rexton SUV to its line-up, alongside updated Tivoli and Tivoli XL models.

In August 2020, SsangYong Motors UK confirmed plans to move to a new headquarters offering “capacity to operate its national next day parts supply service to its franchised dealers”.

John Richards, managing director at Normandy Garage, said: “We are delighted to be working with SsangYong Motors UK.

“We are looking forward to promoting the franchise, increasing sales and continuing strong aftersales support in our area.”