Lookers is targeting "world class surroundings" from a £1.8 million redevelopment of its Kia Chester showroom to comply with the Korean carmaker’s new corporate identity (CI).

Work is now underway at Sealand Road facility as the AM100 car retail PLC continues its drive to pursue a raft of dealership development plans across its property portfolio.

As well as developing a new Lotus Cars dealership in Belfast, the group is introducing Great Wall Motors (GWM) Ora dealerships in Braintree, Belfast and Wolverhampton, BYD in Middlesborough, Sheffield and Northern Ireland and the XBus electric van brand in Gateshead during 2023.

And that comes on top a muti-million-pound investment to grow its fleet of mobile service vans as it pursues growth in cosmetic repair and alloy wheel refurbishment.

Commenting on the Kia Chester project, general manager Scott Innes said: “This significant redevelopment affords us the opportunity to create a once-in-a-generation, modern retail facility for our customers, allowing us to uniquely showcase Kia’s expanding and award-winning range of vehicles in world class surroundings.

“Lookers’ investment reflects our commitment to the local community and economy in Chester, as well as our long-established and successful brand partnership with Kia.

“We’re incredibly excited to be embarking on this transformation and look forward to sharing a new and compelling retail experience with all our customers soon.”

Kia UK finished top of the National Franchised Dealers Association’s (NFDA) bi-annual Dealer Attitude Survey, results published today (March 20) revealed.

The Korean carmaker ended Lexus UK’s reign as car retailer’s favourite OEM partner with the result, which came after the realisation of a record 100,000 new car registrations target in 2023.

Kia is currently rolling-out its new CI, which AM gave an early glimpse of when it visited Kia Bolton last Spring. The OEM-owned retail site was the first UK facility to adopt the new look.

As part of the works at the seven-car Kia Chester showroom, Lookers’ facility will gain four new rapid electric vehicle (EV) charge points, a new indoor vehicle handover area and attached valeting bay.

Lookers’ chief operating officer Duncan McPhee said: “Lookers’ relationship with Kia is one we value strongly so we’re delighted to announce that work is now well under way in what will be an exciting transformation for this prominent and well-located Chester site.

“Kia is an outstanding, ambitious franchise to work with and we’re confident this transformation will provide an excellent retail and service offering for our customers and staff.”