INCHCAPE New Zealand has acquired the distributorship for LDV and SsangYong in the NZ market and has appointed national sales managers for the respective brands.

It has appointed Penny Thorne as national sales manager, SsangYong New Zealand, and Geoff Phillips as national sales manager, LDV New Zealand.

Ms Thorne assumes responsibility for overseeing the strategic management of the SsangYong New Zealand sales and operations teams and supporting the peak performance of the national dealer network.

She is joining Inchcape with extensive automotive experience spanning commercial vehicles, operations, and brand management plus sales and marketing roles.

Inchcape said Ms Thorne will play a crucial role in fostering a sustained culture of success and enhancing the overall experience for our retailer network, and ultimately, SsangYong customers.

Mr Phillips becomes national sales manager for LDV in New Zealand and will assume responsibility for the strategic management of the brand’s sales and operations teams and supporting our NZ national dealer network.

Inchcape: Penny Thorne has been appointed national sales manager, SsangYong New Zealand, and Geoff Phillips as national sales manager, LDV New Zealand.

He joins Inchcape with a broad range of B2B and B2C sales and client management experience across various industries including digital and technology, property, and government.

He is poised to lead the charge in driving continued success and elevating the LDV retailer network’s experience, ultimately delivering exceptional value for customers.

Inchcape NZ and Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper said: “With the addition of LDV and SsangYong to Inchcape’s product portfolio in New Zealand, it is vital we support the impressive vehicle range and strong retailer network of the respective brands with formidable senior managers.

“I am delighted to welcome Penny and Geoff to Inchcape, especially at this exciting time for the company as we continue to deliver on Inchcape’s ambition, as part of the Accelerate strategy, to expand our global footprint and be the undisputed number one distributor of choice.

“Penny and Geoff’s appointments further grow the team of dedicated professionals responsible for bringing the LDV and SsangYong brands to New Zealand customers, meeting their varied mobility requirements, including the increasing demand for electric vehicles.”

The appointment of Ms Thorne and Mr Phillips further strengthens the team representing LDV New Zealand and SsangYong New Zealand.

As Inchcape accelerates its growth in NZ, Mr Dumper is supported by the Inchcape New Zealand leadership team of general manager of business development and operations, Tim Barns-Lawton; head of brand marketing Daile Stephens; and general manager of finance, Robyn MacDonald.