Geely Auto UK is aiming to recruit new dealerships in the UK over 2012 as it prepares for its first UK car launches.
The Emgrand EC7 saloon and hatch will go on sale later this year, aggressively priced from around £10,000 in a sector that includes the likes of Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze and Citroen C4.
Geely owns Volvo, but has made it clear that it wants to allow the Swedish brand to remain separate from the parent company and will build its own dealer network, rather than selling through Volvo franchises.
Matthew Cheyne, Market Development Director, said, “Initially this year we are looking to appoint between 30 and 40 dealers to provide sales and service facilities in the UK, including Northern Ireland. More will be appointed in 2013 as the brand grows and more new models arrive.
“We want dealers to apply for our franchise who want to be partners with us, who want a say in how we set up our dealer network, who want to shape their future and the success of Geely in the UK together with us."
“We are starting with a clean sheet for the manufacturer and dealer relationship so we are open to new ideas from the people on the front line of retail sales and service. “
Cheyne says Geely franchises will not have “extravagant sales targets" forced upon them and will not be subject to forced selling.
“We want dealers to be profitable and have freedom to run their own businesses," he said.
“The dealers we appoint will already have a record of excellent customer service both in the showroom and the service department. If they have that, they will already have a good reputation for customer retention."
Cheyne added that “small, independently-owned businesses" that are known and trusted by locals will be sought be Geely. He concluded:
“2012 is a New Year with new challenges and in a difficult financial climate. But working together we and our dealers will be able to offer a better customer proposition for buying a new car. We intend to be different, more customer focussed and items such as the long warranty will be just part of an innovative total customer care package."