New Kia dealership first for region

Kia has made its first foray into the Marlborough region after teaming up with a dealership that has been in business for 115 years.

Motorworld – formerly Wadsco Motors – was established in Blenheim in 1905 and is the latest business to take on a Kia franchise.

It is now known as Marlborough Kia and the move takes the marque’s number of dealerships to 30 nationwide.

Jared Morris, owner of Motorworld, says the business has customers who have purchased from the business for generations. 

“The opportunity to become the first Kia dealership in the Marlborough region has been welcomed by all our staff and customers,” he explains.

“Kia has been at the top of our wish list as we redevelop and grow our business. Anyone with knowledge of this industry will know that Kia is a brand on the charge.”

With the business serving a strong farming and viticultural economy, Morris believes Kia’s range of SUVs will be well suited to its customers.

A redevelopment programme of the site is due to be completed by Christmas and will include a refurbished showroom with space to display six new Kia vehicles, and a customer waiting area with Wi-Fi and refreshments.

The service department is being upgraded with equipment to support the new technology featured in Kia vehicles coming to market, including provision for the expansion of EV vehicles.

Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia Motors New Zealand, says he is delighted to be working with a dealership that has such a strong history and reputation.

“Jared and his team have established an extremely professional customer-oriented business in Marlborough and we are looking forward to building a great relationship with them over the coming years,” he adds.