Tees Valley Motors completes Mitsubishi to SsangYong switch in Darlington

Tees Valley Motors has joined the SsangYong Motors UK network after successfully completing its switch from the discontinued Mitsubishi Motors UK car retail franchise.

The car retailer, which was founded in 2004 and represented the Japanese brand for 17 years before its withdrawal from new car sales in the UK market, is located off McMullen Road, Darlington.

As such, its four-car showroom is in close proximity to a number of fellow franchised car retail operations run by SG Petch and Pendragon’s Bristol Street Motors.

SsangYong Motor UK managing director Kevin Griffin said: “We are delighted to welcome Tees Valley Motors to the SsangYong franchise and to extend our representation in the northeast.

“The team has a wealth of experience and an outstanding reputation which will ensure an excellent customer journey.”

Last year SsangYong recruited 16 new car retail partners in the UK, including 14 ex-Mitsubishi sites.

Among the key models featured in Tees Motor Group’s new dealership will be SsangYong’s flagship seven-seat SUV, the Rexton, a facelifted Musso pick-up truck, the Tivoli compact SUV, and the Korando crossover, which is now available as a zero-emissions electric vehicle (EV).

The evolving line-up helped the Korean brand to grow its sales 65.3% year-to-date, from 239 to 395, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders data for Q1.

Commenting on the move to join the SsangYong franchised car retail network, Tees Valley Motors managing director, Neal Gibson, said: “Here at Tees Valley Motors, we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional customer experience and also on retaining future business by developing strong relationships with our customers, indeed many have become good friends.

“Our staff are extremely loyal, with many being with us since we opened and there is always a friendly face to welcome customers, both new and old. We look forward to welcoming our customers and introducing them to the SsangYong brand.”