Hyundai has confirmed it will be reducing the number of partners it works with in the UK as part of its” future proofing” plans.
The Korean brand said it has worked in partnership with its retail partners to streamline the network in order to focus on working with fewer partners.
A third of the network will also be making investments and enhancements to their showrooms “to create a more profitable business proposition which delivers an enhanced retail experience”.
In a statement Hyundai said the aim of these improvements is to: “Improve both the long-term sustainability of the relationship as well as the experience for customers throughout the sales and ownership journey.”
Hyundai said that it actually plans to maintain and eventually expand the number of showrooms in the UK, which currently stands at 171 locations, but these showrooms will be operated by a smaller number of partners overall.
The brand has not confirmed how many partners it is currrently working with and what this will be reduced to, but AM has approached Hyundai to comment.
Ashley Andrew, Hyundai Motor UK president, said: “Hyundai has transformed rapidly to a desirable electrified vehicle brand in a remarkably short space of time.
“Even in the past few years, the launch of the Ioniq 5 and 6 has positioned Hyundai at the cutting-edge of the electric vehicle market.
“With that pace of evolution, we must reassess our business at every level including every touchpoint our customers have with the brand.
“We know our products are fantastic, but our brand perception and the service we offer our customers must keep up with that pace.
“After a thorough review of our retail network – implemented with the alignment of our retail partners – we’re putting into action a long-term plan that will ensure the continued viability and growth of the Hyundai brand in the UK.”