Kia UK has been running a leadership development programme designed to give Kia dealership staff specialist leadership and development skills.

With around 12 people in each programme - run in association with Primeast - the scheme has proved ‘hugely successful’ throughout the network, Kia said, often with two courses running simultaneously each year.

Simon Hetherington, commercial director at Kia UK, said: The commitment that applicants have shown through such a difficult period – not just for dealerships, but for everyone – has really highlighted their strength and adaptability, as well as the continued investment that our dealer partners make in their staff.

“The outcome for the individuals and the network can only enhance our customers’ experiences when they visit a Kia showroom.”

The training allows dealers to gain insights into best leadership practice, the manufacturer said.

The programme consists of ten workshops that cover practical management and leadership techniques covering all key areas of the retail business.

The programme offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn management and leadership skills, which can be taken back to the dealership and put into practice, Kia said. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the course has been run online, whereas previously it involved face-to-face learning.

Matt Delaney, sales manager at Ringways Kia Doncaster, said: “I'm thrilled to have been awarded my Institute of Leadership and Management Development Award.

“The course was hard work and managing the change to it being online and on Zoom was challenging which made us all change the way we would normally work.

“It has made us think about how we work in a different way but it has been extremely rewarding, and I can't wait to bring all that I've learnt to the showroom.”

The course has been run for the past eight years.

Kia recently revealed details of new electrified Niro model range, which features hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric drivetrain options.

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