John to drive Hyundai sales

AN Oldham man has been appointed by Vantage Motor Group as Hyundai business specialist to lead the growth of the brand in the North-West fleet market.

John Beard (37), from Shaw, has 15 years sales experience after working in various roles for motor firms Fiat, Citroen, Kia and Hyundai. He has also worked for the O2 telecoms franchise in Chadderton.

Mr Beard, an Oldham Athletic supporter who attended the former Kaskenmoor School, will be responsible for introducing the Hyundai brand to businesses across Manchester and the North-West region.

The role includes forming relationships with firms and familiarising them with their local Vantage Hyundai dealerships which include the Oldham branch near Oldham College, along with others in Manchester, Preston and Stockport.

Vantage Motor Group was founded in Harrogate in 2003. It now has 21 dealerships across Northern England and the West Midlands representing Toyota, Kia, Citroen, Honda, Hyundai, SKODA, and Lexus. Turnover to the end of 2014 was £174m.

Mr Beard said: “I’m really looking forward to building on existing relationships with businesses in the area, forming new ones, and advising them on what we can offer.”