Dicksons of Inverness upgrades Kia showroom at Telford Retail Park
A new state-of-the-art Kia showroom that’s created seven new jobs has been unveiled.
Motor group Dicksons of Inverness has upgraded its former showroom at Telford Retail Park following an investment of more than £500,000.
It has taken almost a year to complete, but now Highland car enthusiasts have their first global concept store, with an interactive experience that enables them to digitally enhance their ideal vehicle.
The innovative Kia ‘Showcase’ interactive car configuration system allows dealers to show customers an accurate rendition of their car without the need for a physical vehicle to be present.
Customers can rotate the car and view it from every angle, open the doors to explore inside, and add key accessories.
In addition, ‘Showcase’ serves as a video library to help explain some of the more detailed in-vehicle technologies, including Kia’s electrified powertrains.
Dicksons’ MD Fraser Bryce said: “The showroom is the culmination of a lot of hard work and vision, and we’re delighted with the results.
“Customers can virtually create the car of their dreams using the amazing technology available…”
“It’s the first time that our customers will have had the opportunity to utilise the high-tech capabilities of ‘Showcase’ which adds a new dimension to selecting and enhancing their chosen car from the comfort of their chair.
“Customers can virtually create the car of their dreams using the amazing technology available.
“There is also the overall engaging and immersive experience, viewing cars in a gallery-type setting in a relaxing and warm environment.
“Our CARZAR showroom marked a significant departure from what used to be the accepted car sales floor look, both in its layout and approach, and now the Kia showroom has taken the aesthetic element to another level.”
The concept store will feature distinct zones with unique themes.
It’s customer zone will offer a warm, minimalistic, and natural ambiance, resembling a cosy living room more than a conventional dealership.
In contrast, the display zone will be characterised by a futuristic and sleek design, with metallic surfaces and an achromatic colour scheme.
This area is intended to draw full attention to the vehicles, showcasing them in a manner akin to art in a gallery.
This setup allows customers to appreciate the cars from various perspectives,enhancing their overall experience.
The Kia Showroom is the latest development in Dicksons’ recent growth story.
In 2023 the company moved forward with a commitment to younger drivers, launching its £1million CARZAR showroom with the aim of making cars more affordable for young people.
Its workshop capacity increased last year from 12 to 21 ramps and its sales team now sells over 2,000 cars a year across four franchised brands of KIA, Nissan, Suzuki and MG.
Mr Bryce and four other directors also completed a management buy-out last year, with the company now employing more than 80 people across 30 different roles.
It has a five-year forecast of staffing levels reaching 100, and turnover to double to £100million.
