As has previously been discussed amongst these digital pages, MotorMartin is always happy to bring to peoples’ attention the news of a new dealership opening its doors to the public for the first time. So today, it’s the turn of Blackshaws, a well established, long-running family business which has opened a Mitsubishi dealership in Northumberland and has subsequently seen significant investment in a new showroom and created a number of jobs. Which is good news for all concerned.
MotorMartin has already been informed that, established in 1919, Blackshaws is already a well-known name in motoring with a thriving dual franchise dealership in Alnwick’s Lionheart Enterprise Park.
Now Dealer Principal Will Blackshaw has expanded the business, with Blackshaws Mitsubishi in Morpeth. Blackshaws joins Mitsubishi Motors in the UK at an exciting time, with the company being named the fastest-growing mainstream car brand in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Will, the fourth generation of Blackshaws to be involved with the business, shared with MotorMartin that: ‘It has been a three year project to get to this stage and I’m very excited to be opening with Mitsubishi. You see a lot of family businesses being bought up by larger companies but we are growing for the love of the business and the love of the industry. This is all about growth and stability for the future.’
The new seven-car showroom sits on a large site in the busy Coopies Way Industrial Estate, in Morpeth. The venture has already created eight jobs with further recruitment, including apprentices, expected later in the year.
Will also informed MotorMartin that: ‘Right from the start the people that we met at Mitsubishi have been great to work with. When you look at Mitsubishi’s hybrid technology and you see what the future holds for them it’s going in the right direction and it’s great to be part of that.’
Last year saw 12 new Mitsubishi dealerships open across the UK and there are more to come in 2016.
Sharing with MotorMartin, Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Will and everyone at Blackshaws to the Mitsubishi family at this exciting time. It’s fantastic to see our dealer network continue to grow and I know the team at Blackshaws shares our confidence in the future of this new partnership. As a long-established family company they enjoy an excellent reputation in the area and we are extremely pleased to have them on board.’
Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has been the fastest-growing mainstream car manufacturer for the past three years, helped, no doubt, by the ongoing success of models such as the extremely well received Outlander PHEV. The company saw sales growth in passenger cars of 44 per cent in 2015 compared with the previous year, against an overall market up by six per cent.
For more information about the range of vehicles available contact 01670 719519 or visit the showroom in Coopies Way Industrial Estate, Morpeth.
So it’s a MotorMartin well done to Blackshaws Mitsubishi and I wish you every success.
Where will you go?