Genesis has appointed the first seven of 20 new network partners as part of its plans to establish a franchised dealer network in the UK ahead of further European expansion.

Ancaster Group, Arnold Clark, Hendy Group, Holdcroft Group, Pendragon, Richmond Motor Group and Sinclair Group attended the Genesis Scottish Open golf tournament to coincide with a signing ceremony in Scotland.

Further details on where the seven new retail partners will be located will be released “in due course”.

The new dealerships will be operational from 2024 and support Genesis’ plans to expand capabilities for test drives, sales, service and to help strengthen the brand’s foundations for its plans to expand into other European markets.

Genesis started speaking with retailers earlier this year as part of its plans to establish a physical network of up to 20 dealerships.

The move represents a significant change of direction for the brand which was launched in the UK in 2021 on the premise that it would “look after the customer from end-to-end, taking full control of that with no agents, no dealers”.

The business already has two manufacturer owned and operated locations in London and opened its Edinburgh Store to the public last week.

Lawrence Hamilton, managing director for Genesis Motor Europe, said: “Earlier this year, we announced we would be expanding the Genesis footprint in the UK and we now have seven retail partners on board who share our vision for the future of the Genesis brand.  

“In attending the Genesis Scottish Open, our new retail partners now have first-hand experience of the Genesis commitment to personalised hospitality and customer service excellence.”

Hamilton said the Genesis brand has a ‘distinctly Korean’ approach to hospitality which is unique in the automotive industry.

All-new Genesis vehicles will be pure electric from 2025 and Genesis is also pursuing a goal to become carbon net zero by 2035.

Bill Berman, Pendragon chief executive, said: “We are delighted to add Genesis to our Stratstone roster and be able to offer Pendragon customers another luxurious and sustainable brand from next year.

"As the fastest-growing luxury car brand in the world, we are looking forward to being an integral part of Genesis’ continued success and its plans to become an EV leader in the UK.”

Chief executive Paul Hendy (pictured left) confrmed there would be a Genesis studio in Poole to cover the Southampton Genesis territory.

Hendy said: “Genesis has a commitment to personalised hospitality and customer service excellence which aligns perfectly with our values

“Being part of the Genesis journey in the UK is exciting for us as a company and we look forward to being part of the story as it unfolds.”

Hendy Group will cover Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and West Sussex from the new Genesis studio which is expected to open from the start of 2024.