[Update June 17th] The UK division of Korean carmaker SsangYong Motor (SYMUK) has taken over control and management of its vehicle importation and reception base at the Portbury, near Bristol. The carmaker has also created a vehicle preparation centre (VPC) on a new facility at the port following an investment of £150,000 ($214,500). The move followed a study and tender process carried out with automotive logistics consultancy Alljoinedup.
The new facility at Portbury includes a new fully equipped five-ramp workshop, complete with 14 accessory bays and parts storage. It will employ 18 staff with the potential for 10 further positions for vehicle preparation specialists as volumes grow. The compound accommodates 1,400 vehicles, with the potential to expand this to 1,800.
“This is a big but essential step for SsangYong in the UK, and underlines our commitment to giving dealers the best service possible,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “As well as preparing cars to the highest standards, we will also be able to expedite deliveries so dealers get the cars they need more quickly.”
In a statement SYMUK said that new quality control and vehicle tracking systems have already been implemented. It added that the centre can currently process 150 cars a week with a mix of standard pre-delivery work and accessorisation, with the potential to increase this to 250.
