Kia opens new dealership in Nelson

Kia has opened a new, standalone dealership in Nelson as it claims demand for its vehicles is growing in the top of the South Island.

Alan Kirby, Kia Nelson’s dealer principal, says the six-vehicle showroom at 190 Rutherford Street brings the marque closer to the city centre.

“It’s great – a really nice facility and something we have been working towards,” he explains.

“The development has given us a separate, standalone dealership for the first time and we are delighted to be in our own premises, with all the space and modern facilities that our customers expect and appreciate.”

Kirby says the decision to build the new facility was prompted by the strength of the brand and the investment being made by Kia Motors to grow its business in New Zealand.

“The opening of our new dealership just as the Seltos compact SUV has gone on sale has been exceptionally well-timed – it’s created a lot of attention and is well deserved,” he adds.

The showroom has a lounge providing refreshments and Wi-Fi for customers. There is also a new service centre, which replaces a satellite service facility that operated from Richmond for the past five years, with space for five vehicles to be worked on at the same time.

Provision has been made at the Kia Nelson site for an expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), following the recent announcement by Kia Motors of a plan to ramp up its EV range.

“The electric future is exciting,” says Kirby. “People in the Nelson/top of the south region are big supporters of the environment and we have quite a strong demand for electric cars.”