- GWM ORA UK has now appointed 16 retail partners and 30 points of representation since launching in December 2022
- Marriott Motor Group, Westaway Motors and FG Barnes are the latest to join the GWM ORA UK network
- The new sites will retail GWM ORA products in Guildford, Northampton and Bury St Edmunds
- For more information visit: https://gwmora.co.uk/find-a-retailer/
29/11/23: Since launching in December 2022, GWM ORA UK has set out to establish a strong network of physical retail spaces across the UK, seeking out reputable and well known automotive partners. So far, network growth has exceeded the brands own targets, with 16 retail partners now appointed in just under one year of operations, a majority of which are rated highly in the AM100.
In November, GWM ORA UK has added three more retail partners to its growing network: Marriott Motor Group, Westaway Motors and FG Barnes. These new partners will launch full sales and aftersales sites in Guildford, Northampton and Bury St Edmunds. These latest appointments bring the GWM ORA retail network to a total of 30 customer service sites across the UK.
Additionally, GWM ORA UK recently announced the launch of its new test drive centre initiative, launching with eight sites initially. Managed by a mix of existing GWM ORA Retail groups, the new sites will be tactically situated to support the brands existing network, offering the same lively and colourful corporate identity but on a smaller scale.
Speaking about network growth, Toby Marshall, Managing Director, GWM ORA UK said: “As a new brand to market, growing our core infrastructure and finding the right partners has been a major strategic focus for the GWM ORA UK team. We believe that our retail partners will play a key role in establishing a solid foundation for future success, in which we can grow brand awareness, deliver exceptional customer service and launch exciting new products. We’re absolutely delighted with the progress we’ve made this year and I’m glad to welcome our latest partners, Marriott Motor Group, Westaway Motors and FG Barnes to the GWM ORA UK family.”
Richard Ward, Dealer Principal, Westaway Motors commented: “We are very excited to be taking on GWM ORA at our Moulton Park Dealership. The ORA Funky Cat has blown us all away with its premium build quality and high level of technology. The current PCH offer has certainly attracted a lot of attention and we have already taken orders and handed over cars to customers in our first week of opening. We see great times ahead as GWM ORA introduce more EV models into the UK market.”
Paul Barnard, Managing Director, Marriott Motor Group commented: “We’re delighted to welcome GWM ORA to Marriott’s portfolio as our first 100% electric brand. As a refreshing new brand, GWM ORA offers exciting and unique products with a blend of retro-futuristic design and cutting-edge technology, something that Marriott’s customers are sure to love. With many more innovative products in the pipeline, and with a commitment to sustainability and quality, I believe that GWM ORA has an exciting future and is a brand that Marriott Motor Group are proud to partner.”
Samantha Parkinson, CEO, FG Barnes commented: “We are thrilled to welcome GWM ORA to the FG Barnes family. FG Barnes has been a trusted brand in Guildford and the surrounding areas for over 120 years. To be able to present GWM ORA to our loyal customers is an absolute privilege – the innovative and distinctive ORA Funky Cat is sure to get their attention! Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we continuously strive for excellence in all areas – we feel that these values perfectly align with those of GMW ORA. This is going to be such a fantastic partnership and we can’t wait to start this next chapter!”
GWM ORA UK now has two models on sale in the UK, ORA Funky Cat First Edition and the newly launched First Edition+ which is limited to just fifty units. As the brands second ever model to go on sale in the UK, ORA Funky Cat First Edition+ is available with an MSRP of £33,795. This new variant features a very high standard specification offering fantastic value for money. Most notably, the First Edition+ variant hosts GWM ORA’s 63kWh battery, offering 260 miles of WLTP electric range. In addition, customers also benefit from features like heated, cooled and massage front seats, heated steering-wheel, panoramic sunroof, automatic tailgate and automatic parking assistance.
ORA Funky Cat First Edition+ also shares a lot of technology with the brands first launch model, including: wireless phone charging, facial recognition, electric front seats, app integration and ‘Hello ORA’ intelligent voice assistance. In addition, GWM ORA is currently testing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which will be available across the full range once the update has gone live.
The brands first model, ORA Funky Cat First Edition continues to offer exceptional value for money, with business and personal leasing customers able to drive away from just £199* and £239** per month respectively. This makes ORA Funky Cat one of the best value ‘family sized’ BEV’s currently available in the UK leasing market.