New SsangYong boss sets out three-year plan

New SsangYong boss Nick Laird has set out his three-year plan for the brand in the UK.

Mr Laird aims to grow the SsangYong retail network from 65 retailers to 80 by the end of 2018 and 90 by the end of 2019. Sales are predicted to go from around 4,000 in 2017 to 8,000 in 2020 and 10,000 “shortly after”.

He added that SsangYong  was looking for small, successful owner operators. “We’re offering a franchise that’s utterly sensible value for money. We don’t set a whole load of daft standards. There are some, as they need a showroom and staff to sell the cars, but it doesn’t take a lot of cash to set up.

“Some of our recent new franchise holders have spent in the low tens of thousands. They’re businesses that are sales-only and already have a showroom. Others have spent a bit more particularly if they’re opening new premises and have a service operation.”