AM100 dealership group Vertu has appointed Stuart McGilvary as the first general manager responsible for its two Geely Auto dealerships in Glasgow.
McGilvary joined Vertu in June from Lookers where he was head of business at its Audi Hamilton dealership, following management roles at Audi Stirling, Taggarts Land Rover and Lookers’ used car operation in Carlisle
McGilvary will oversee Vertu Geely Glasgow South on Kennishead Road in Darnley and Vertu Geely Glasgow Central on Port Dundas Road.
Vertu expands Geely partnership
Vertu opened its first Geely Auto dealership in Darnley in February, followed by the Glasgow Central showroom in April.
McGilvary will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of both dealerships as Vertu develops its relationship with the Chinese manufacturer.
The Glasgow businesses currently offer Geely’s first two UK models, the all-electric EX5 family SUV and Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid.
McGilvary said: “I’m delighted to have joined Vertu, and to have the opportunity to represent an award-winning retailer and to lead Glasgow’s two Geely dealerships is one I’m relishing.
“Although the two sites have only been open for a matter of months, we have been seeing lots of interest in Geely from customers from across the local area and fully expect the upcoming EX2 to be hugely popular.
“It’s a hugely exciting time to be involved with one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the market, and I’m looking forward to working with the whole team at Geely Glasgow South and Geely Glasgow Central to drive the dealerships on to success in the future.”
EX2 set to join Glasgow range
Both dealerships are preparing to receive the new Geely EX2 electric hatchback, which will expand the manufacturer’s UK range to three models.
The compact electric car is priced from £20,990 and offers a maximum WLTP range of 214 miles in selected versions. Vertu said the EX2 was China’s best-selling vehicle last year.
Chris McKenzie, Vertu regional director, said: “Stuart is a proven operator who will not only be strong lead for the team at Geely Glasgow South and Geely Glasgow Central, but will also strengthen our leadership team in the region as a whole. He is already making an impact at the dealership, and has an important role to play as our relationship with Geely continues to develop.”
Vertu operates 193 sales outlets across the UK and is the country’s fourth-largest dealership group.
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