Redevelopment set for completion later this year as site remains open to customers
Lookers has embarked on a significant £1.8 million transformation of its Kia Chester site as the company, one of the UK’s leading automotive and aftersales service groups, continues to boost its nationwide network of dealerships.
The redevelopment, which will be completed later this year, will see a full state-of-the-art internal refit, as well as the introduction of a brand-new indoor handover bay and exterior integrated valet bay.
Built to exacting and sustainable specifications and packed with modern designs and digital innovations, the Sealand Road site will be a powerful showcase of Kia’s expanding range of electric and hybrid models, along with a wide selection of quality used cars.
Incorporating the new Kia brand concept, the transformed site will reflect Lookers’ committed focus on sustainability and quality customer service provision, with four new rapid electric vehicle charge points added, as well as a stylish and comfortable customer zone, a service reception and a dynamic, tech-laden display zone for seven new cars.
Scott Innes, General Manager at Lookers Kia Chester, said:
“This significant redevelopment affords us the opportunity to create a once-in-a-generation, modern retail facility for our customers, allowing us to uniquely showcase Kia’s expanding and award-winning range of vehicles in world class surroundings.
“Lookers’ investment reflects our commitment to the local community and economy in Chester, as well as our long-established and successful brand partnership with Kia.
“We’re incredibly excited to be embarking on this transformation and look forward to sharing a new and compelling retail experience with all our customers soon.”
Duncan McPhee, Chief Operating Officer at Lookers, added:
“Lookers’ relationship with Kia is one we value strongly so we’re delighted to announce that work is now well under way in what will be an exciting transformation for this prominent and well-located Chester site.
“Kia is an outstanding, ambitious franchise to work with and we’re confident this transformation will provide an excellent retail and service offering for our customers and staff.”
With construction currently under way the Kia Chester dealership will continue to operate as usual, with customers still comfortably accommodated on site.
Kia is one of the UK’s Top 10 best-selling car brands, with a record-breaking 100,000 sales recorded in 2022, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Electrification has been key to Kia brand’s success, with the brand nearing half of all sales consisting of hybrid or electric models.
Last year also saw the introduction of new models including next-generation versions of the popular Kia Sportage and Kia Niro. Kia’s cutting-edge electric and hybrid models are designed to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise or even produce zero emissions. These include the fully electric and technology packed EV6 and the all-new Niro EV.
Founded in Manchester in 1908, Lookers represents more than 30 leading car manufacturers in more than 150 dealerships, employing 6,500 people across the UK and Ireland.