25 September 2019

Ancaster is to take over the running of Hyundai store in Bluewater following the departure of Motorline at the start of August. The ex-Rockar store has been operated as a lead-generation site by Hyundai over the summer.

The takeover marks the completion of Hyundai’s plans to operate south London as a single market area as Ancaster already has dealerships in Croydon and Welling.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Retail Agenda Ashley Andrew, Hyundai managing director, said: “There is no sales target for these stores and we don’t mandate how they [Endeavour operates the Stratford store] use these stores. So the retailers are able to use their entrepreneurship to find out what works best.”

Mr Andrew said the mall-based stores would operate as satellite locations to the traditional dealerships.

He added that other cities in the UK are large enough to run similar operations.

Ancaster will take over the running of the Bluewater on 1 October, according to managing director Stephen Wood. In the months since Motorline handed the franchise back, Hyundai has been using the site as a pure lead-generation location, rather than for selling cars.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Retail Agenda Mr Wood said: “It’s a retail environment in a mall so we’re treating it a bit differently to a regular dealership. We’ve recruited a team that has experience and focus in this area. The team will be paid a high basic, which will be good for the auto retail sector, and they will be bonused on customer satisfaction rather than for selling a car.

“Our intention is for there to be a robust pricing model, but it will include special deals that will change. It has to be a hybrid so we can encourage people to come in then we can agree a budget with customers and look at their options.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and may change depending on what we find works best.”

Tags: Ancaster, Hyundai, Rockar, Stephen Wood