Blackshaws has become the latest addition to the SsangYong Motors UK franchised car retail network at its former Mitsubishi Motors in the UK dealership in Morpeth.

Will Blackshaw, managing director at Blackshaws, said that he was excited to welcome a product range featuring Tivoli, Korando and Rexton SUVs and the award-winning Musso pick-up truck to the retail site on Coopies Lane Industrial Estate in Morpeth, Northumberland.

Blackshaw, part of the panel for next week’s ‘General Managers Guide to… Success in MOTs’ webinar, said: “We look forward to developing our relationship with SsangYong Motors and introducing its model line-up to Morpeth and surrounding areas.”

During 2021 SsangYong attracted 20 new car dealers from the discontinued Mitsubishi Motors in the UK new car retail franchise, the latest being North City SsangYong in Chingford.

The Korean car brand’s UK business – operated by Bassadone Automotive – this month hailed its return to profitability in 2021 as a “major milestone” in a year of restricted new car supplies and continued COVID-19 disruption.

The business was hit hard by news of the sudden death of executive chairman Jim Tyrrell this week, however. Tyrrell died at his home in France, aged 60.

Family-owned Blackshaws was founded, in Alnwick, by brothers John Charles and Edward Warren Blackshaw over 100 years ago and remains family-run to this day.

The current managing director said that the business has continued to evolve with the times, however. Blackshaw said: “As the motor industry continues to evolve with rapidly changing technology, Blackshaws is filled with inspiration and excitement for the road ahead. 

“Although the company has grown significantly over the years it remains a friendly, family business routed in the local community with customer service as its number one priority.

“We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional customer journey and developing strong relationships with our customers.”

Commenting on the Blackshaws appointment, SsangYong Motor UK managing director Kevin Griffin said: “We are delighted to welcome an established dealer group, like Blackshaws, to the SsangYong franchise and to extend our representation in the northeast. The team has a long heritage, an outstanding reputation and wealth of experience and we look forward to introducing them to the SsangYong family.”