Sinclair Group has partnered with Chinese-owned GWM Ora with a new showroom in Swansea.

The group is exploring potential further expansion with the brand in the future and is the latest addition to GWM Ora’s franchised dealer network following six new retail group partnerships so far this year.

The brand said it is now on track to establish 20 full sales sites by the end of 2023.

While GWM Ora does take an omni-channel approach to sales through ‘ORA Online’, the brand is investing in physical retail spaces which it believes will be key to scaling the brand in the UK.  

Toby Marshall, GWM Ora UK managing director, said: “As a new entrant to the UK market, it is important that we ensure consumers have the right introduction to the GWM ORA brand.

“Our network strategy is centred around working with established and trusted retail partners that can deliver exceptional levels of service.

“As Wales’ largest automotive retailer, Sinclair Group is a fantastic partner to have on-board and I look forward to working closely with the team in Swansea.”

Sinclair Group started in 1945 when mechanic Bill Sinclair returned from the war and opened a garage business repairing cars in Port Talbot.

The family-owned group has expanded over the years to become Wales’ biggest motor retail group representing 11 marques in 25 locations with a workforce of 1,000 employees.

Swansea’s GWM Ora showroom is located on the SA1 development at Mercedes-Benz of Swansea.

Ora Funky Cat demonstrators are now available from the site for customers to experience on short term and longer 24-hour test drives.

In addition, GWM Ora UK has also launched personal (PCH) and business (BCH) leasing rates for its launch model, ORA Funky Cat First Edition, from £199 and £239 a month respectively.