Chester T. Dean 
Blackshaws has become the latest addition to the SsangYong Motors UK franchise car retail network at its former Mitsubishi Motors UK dealership in Morpeth.
Will Blackshaw, Managing Director of Blackshaws, said he was delighted to welcome a range of products including the Tivoli, Korando and Rexton SUVs and the award-winning Musso van to the Coopies Lane Industrial Estate retail site in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Blackshaw, who was on the panel for next week’s ‘GM’s Guide to… MOT Success’ webinar, said: ‘We look forward to developing our relationship with SsangYong Motors and showcasing their model range at Morpeth and in the surrounding area.”
In 2021, SsangYong attracted 20 new car dealerships from Mitsubishi Motors’ new car retail franchise in the UK, the latest being North City SsangYong in Chingford.
The Korean car brand’s UK business – operated by Bassadone Automotive – this month hailed its return to profitability in 2021 as a “major milestone” in a year of tight new car supply and continued disruption of COVID-19.
However, the company was hit hard by news of the sudden passing of executive chairman Jim Tyrrell this week. Tyrrell died at his home in France, aged 60.
The Blackshaws family business was founded in Alnwick by brothers John Charles and Edward Warren Blackshaw over 100 years ago and remains a family business to this day.
The current chief executive said the company has continued to evolve over time, however. Blackshaw said: “As the automotive industry continues to evolve with rapidly changing technology, Blackshaws is filled with inspiration and excitement for the road ahead.
“Although the business has grown considerably over the years, it remains a friendly family business channeled into the local community with customer service as a number one priority.
“We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional customer journey and developing strong relationships with our customers.”
Commenting on the appointment of Blackshaws, Kevin Griffin, Managing Director of SsangYong Motor UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome an established group of dealers, like Blackshaws, to the SsangYong franchise and expand our representation in the North East. . The team has a long heritage, an outstanding reputation and a wealth of experience and we look forward to introducing them to the SsangYong family.
