Subaru’s record-breaking dealer expansion is continuing apace with the latest opening being a Ford dealership which has operated for over 60 years from the same site.
‘Lifestyle Subaru’ based in Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells, Kent chose Subaru because it believes its performance-biased all-wheel drive range is ideal for its affluent catchment area.
The Ford franchise continues unaffected but ‘Lifestyle’ Managing Director, Peter Isted feels Subaru will prove totally complementary to the existing operation.
He said: “The new Subaru showroom used to be our Ford RS Performance Centre so we are hoping for some pull-through from previous customers.”
Peter added: “Our dealings with Subaru UK staff have been excellent with exceptional dealer development support. This is illustrated by us being fully operational within six weeks of signing.”
‘Lifestyle’s’ £150,000 refurbishment is backed by the appointment of dedicated Subaru salesmen while its location is on a busy link road to both the M25 and A21. Sales potential is further enhanced by the dealership being opposite the busy Kent and Sussex Accident and Emergency hospital.
Meanwhile, Subaru (UK) Limited National Franchise Development Manager, Terry Leach, said: “We enjoyed a record year for appointments in 2005 resulting in 20 new dealerships applying for the franchise.
“So far this year we have a further 20 dealers in line to be appointed and all of a very high calibre.
“One example is John R Weir, an established Mercedes-Benz dealer for part of Scotland who has taken on Subaru for the Perth area, bringing best practice service and customer satisfaction.”
Other imminent new dealerships include the Manchester and Cornwall areas – all helping Subaru reach its eventual dealer count of around 120 outlets.