SERE MOTORS 2024 RECAP

As we near closer to the end of 2024, now is a better time than ever to reflect on an incredible year at SERE Motors. We’ve had a truly memorable year from exciting rebrands and rewarding community initiatives, so let’s take a look at some of the highlights! 

Kicking off the year with a huge rebrand from SsangYong to KGM marked a new chapter for SERE Motors. Being the only SsangYong dealer in Norther Ireland for many years, we embraced this transition with enthusiasm, recognising it as an opportunity to modernise our offerings while continuing to deliver the same reliable vehicles and exceptional service our customers expect.  

With the rebrand, our showrooms were refreshed, new signage was unveiled, and our team was eager to introduce the sleek and updated KGM range to our wonderful customers. This transformation represents not just a change in name, but an evolution of the brand, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to meet the needs of modern drivers – a journey we are more than proud to be a part of. This year has been an exciting one for SERE Motors as we’ve welcomed several new models to the KGM range.

Following the rebrand to KGM, we’ve seen the release of several exciting new models throughout the year. We kicked off with the launch of the KGM Tivoli, the new model of this compact SUV, which combines style, modern features, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for urban driving. Then came the KGM Korando K35, a refreshed version of the popular SUV, now with even more advanced technology and a sleek design, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Later in the year, we introduced the KGM Torres, a striking new addition to the range, offering bold design and impressive performance. Alongside it, the KGM Torres EVX brought a fully electric option to the range, delivering eco-friendly driving with KGM’s signature quality and style. In celebration of its 70th anniversary, we also launched the KGM Musso Platinum, a special edition of the Musso, offering premium features and exclusive styling that make it a standout choice for those who need power, reliability, and comfort. 

Each of these new cars showcases KGM’s commitment to innovation, and we’re excited to continue offering these fantastic models to our customers at SERE Motors. The year’s launches have certainly set the bar high, and we look forward to introducing even more in the future including the well anticipated KGM Actyon coming to us in the new year.  

February marked the start of our 2024 fundraising efforts for Lighthouse Charity, a vital organisation dedicated to suicide prevention, promoting positive mental health, and supporting those impacted by self-harm and bereavement. With a strong connection to the Belfast community since 2003, Lighthouse works tirelessly to break the stigma around mental health through education and awareness, offering hope and support when it's needed most. We kicked off our fundraising journey with enthusiasm, setting up donation boxes across our sales desks and service departments. This was just the beginning of our efforts leading up to the Belfast Marathon in May, where we proudly registered six relay teams to raise further funds and awareness for this incredible cause. We were delighted to welcome Lighthouse into our showroom for a photo, marking the start of what became a fantastic partnership throughout 2024 (see below).

In addition to our charity work, we were proud to receive the prestigious Dealer Recognition Award from KGM Motors UK. This award was presented to us for our 10 years of outstanding service and dedication to the KGM brand (previously SsangYong). It was an incredible moment of pride for everyone at SERE Motors, reflecting the hard work and commitment of our team. We were thrilled to be recognised for consistently delivering excellence in customer service and for being a dependable partner in the automotive industry. 

In March, we celebrated a remarkable milestone in the life of one of our beloved team members, Colin, our skilled and trusted mechanic. After 25 years of hard work and dedication to SERE Motors, Colin decided it was time to retire and enjoy a well-earned break. Over the years, Colin’s expertise and meticulous attention to detail have helped us maintain our reputation for quality and reliability. His work has ensured that countless vehicles ran smoothly and efficiently, and he’s always been a dependable figure at SERE Motors. It was a bittersweet farewell as we celebrated his impressive career and wished him all the best for the future. We are incredibly grateful for his years of service and hope his retirement has been relaxing and fulfilling so far! 

In May, we took part in the Belfast Marathon, where our 6 relay teams ran to raise funds and awareness for Lighthouse. The event was a true testament to the generosity and community spirit at SERE Motors and thanks to the hard work and dedication of each team member, we were able to surpass our fundraising goals, making a significant difference for a cause that is close to our hearts - our teams gave it their all, showing incredible perseverance, teamwork, and commitment throughout the race. With the support of our colleagues, families, and friends, we celebrated not just a physical achievement, but also the positive impact we were able to have on the lives of those affected by mental health challenges. 

May was also an exciting month for us as we made our yearly return to the Balmoral Show, one of Northern Ireland's premier agricultural and trade events. This renowned event provided an excellent platform for us to showcase some of the latest models from KGM, including the highly anticipated new releases, while also interacting with the public in a vibrant and engaging setting. We were thrilled to reconnect with many familiar faces who’ve supported us over the years, as well as to introduce new customers to the exceptional vehicles we’re so passionate about. The Balmoral Show 2024 was more than just an opportunity to display our cars – it was a chance to engage with the community, answer questions, and offer a hands-on experience with the cars that demonstrate their versatility, quality, and cutting-edge features. This event not only strengthened our relationship with existing customers but also helped us expand our presence in the local community, reinforcing our commitment to providing high-quality vehicles and exceptional service to those in Northern Ireland. 

As summer rolled around, we were thrilled to receive some incredible recognition from our customers when we proudly joined the 99% Club, a remarkable achievement that reflects our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. This recognition means that 99% of our customers would recommend us to their friends and family, and that speaks volumes about the hard work our team puts into delivering top-notch service every day. To back this up, we received the Judge Service Certificate, a formal award based on customer feedback that acknowledges our high levels of customer satisfaction. We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement and are grateful to our loyal customers for their trust and support. This recognition fuels our determination to continue offering exceptional service for years to come. 

Fiona’s Promotion 

June was an exciting month for us as we celebrated Fiona’s promotion to the role of Service Manager at SERE Motors Lisburn. Fiona has been a dedicated and valued member of our team for several years, and her promotion was a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, leadership, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service. In her new role, Fiona has already brought even more value to the team, ensuring the service department runs smoothly and that our customers consistently receive the best possible experience. Her efforts have already had a significant impact, and later in the year, she led the team to win the After Sales Team of the Year award at the Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards. We have no doubt that Fiona will continue to excel in this new position, and we look forward to seeing her grow and achieve even greater success as she takes on this exciting new challenge. 

DCR Systems Installation  

August brought a significant upgrade to our operations with the installation of the DCR Pro at Bodytech Collision Repair Centre, our body shop in Carrickfergus. This state-of-the-art alloy wheel refurbishment technology and training, provided by DCR Systems, allows us to offer a new service to our customers – high-quality alloy wheel repairs and refinishing. The advanced machinery ensures that all repairs are completed with the highest precision and efficiency, restoring wheels to their original condition or enhancing their appearance. This upgrade not only expands our range of services but also reinforces our commitment to providing top-tier solutions to our customers. We’re excited to offer this new service and continue delivering exceptional results for all vehicle needs. 

In November, we had the incredible honour of attending the NI Motor Awards, a prestigious event that celebrates excellence and innovation across the Northern Ireland automotive industry. It was an unforgettable evening, bringing together the best in the business, and we were immensely proud to see SERE Motors recognised for our hard work and dedication. 

We were absolutely delighted to win After Sales Team of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for our team’s outstanding commitment to ensuring every customer receives unparalleled support and care after their purchase. This award reflects the relentless efforts of our after-sales team in delivering exceptional service, day in and day out. 

Adding to our success, Gerard Crossin was honoured with the highly coveted title of Sales Manager of the Year. Gerard’s leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication to both his team and our customers have been truly inspirational, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievement. 

We were equally thrilled to receive Highly Commended accolades in two key categories. Ryan Stuart was recognised as a Rising Star, a fitting acknowledgment of his incredible potential, hard work, and the bright future ahead of him in the automotive industry. Additionally, we were highly commended for Best Customer Service, a testament to our ongoing mission to make every interaction with SERE Motors exceptional and memorable. 

These awards are more than just trophies – they’re a reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and pride that define SERE Motors. We are so proud of our team’s achievements and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate them on such a prestigious stage. This success only motivates us further to continue raising the bar and delivering excellence in everything we do. 

As December unfolded, the festive spirit at SERE Motors was in full swing, and we were proud to channel that energy into supporting a meaningful cause. Our Cash for Kids Mission Christmas fundraising efforts brought together staff and customers to raise funds and collect gifts for local families in need, ensuring no child in our community wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning. This incredible initiative supports thousands of disadvantaged children across Northern Ireland, spreading joy and hope over Christmas. 

To keep the festive fun going, we held a Christmas Jumper Day, with everyone showcasing their most creative and colourful knitwear. The day was packed with activities that had the entire team laughing and bonding, including a Christmas Quiz, a "Guess the Song" challenge, a “Snowball” Toss, and the highlight of the day- the 30-second Draw-a-Santa contest. Watching the team’s hilarious artistic attempts had everyone in stitches, creating a fantastic atmosphere while raising money for this great cause... You can see why we we’re in stitches below...  

The laughter, camaraderie, and generosity displayed throughout these initiatives perfectly captured the essence of the season. It was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together to support those in need, and we’re incredibly proud to have been part of Mission Christmas this year. 

As part of our commitment to supporting the community, we once again volunteered at the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Sorting Warehouse this December. This has become a cherished tradition for the SERE Motors team, and we were delighted to roll up our sleeves and do our part. The warehouse is the heart of the Mission Christmas campaign, where thousands of donated gifts are sorted, organised, and prepared for distribution to children and families across Northern Ireland. 

Our team worked throughout the day, helping to ensure that every gift found its way to the right home. It was incredibly moving to see the direct impact of our fundraising efforts and gift collections on the campaign. Sorting through the generous donations reminded us of the vital role each contribution plays in bringing joy to children and families who might otherwise go without during the festive season. 

Knowing that the gifts we donated and helped collect and sort would light up Christmas morning for so many truly reinforced the importance of our efforts. It was a humbling and rewarding experience that made us proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative. Seeing the tangible difference our support made was a powerful reminder of the spirit of community and giving that defines Mission Christmas. 

At SERE Motors, we feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position to give back to the community, and volunteering at the sorting warehouse is one way we can contribute to making a difference. This experience reminds us of the power of collective effort and generosity, and we’re grateful to all the staff who participated, showing the true spirit of Christmas. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come, helping to brighten the holiday season for families in need. 

2024 has been a year of countless handovers and happy customers at SERE Motors. Every vehicle we hand over represents more than just a sale – it’s a moment of joy, trust, and satisfaction. From first-time buyers to loyal returning customers, we’ve been thrilled to help people find their perfect car, whether upgrading to a newer model or choosing a vehicle that better suits their lifestyle and needs. 

Our team across all departments have worked tirelessly to ensure each sale, service, handover, and interaction, is seamless, providing exceptional support and a personal touch every step of the way. The smiles and excitement of our customers as they drive away, knowing they’ve made the right choice, have been the highlight of our year. 

We are so grateful to our amazing customers for choosing SERE Motors and to our dedicated team for their hard work in delivering top-notch service. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue providing outstanding experiences, quality vehicles, and more reasons to smile in 2025 and beyond! 

2024 also saw some exciting additions to the SERE Motors team, further strengthening our commitment to providing outstanding service. We welcomed new Sales Executives in both our Belfast and Lisburn locations: Daniel Matthews, Marcel Musielak, and Joel Delaney in Belfast, and Callan Scott and Aaron McCalmont in Lisburn. In our service department, we were pleased to have Kevin Gibson join the team as our new Warranty Admin, bringing expertise and enthusiasm to ensure our customers continue to receive top-tier care. 

At our SERE Group head office, we were joined by Gemma McBride, Thea Nordmann, and Youssef El Bakri in Accounts, who have already made a great impact. We also welcomed Elaine Ferguson and Sharon Brown in Sales Administration, both of whom have quickly become vital members of the team. We are excited to see how each of our new team members will contribute to SERE Motors’ ongoing growth and success. 

It’s been an extraordinary year, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our incredible team, customers, and community. We’re excited about what the new year will bring, and we look forward to continuing our journey with you all in 2025. Thank you for being a part of our year - here’s to many more milestones and achievements ahead! 

Happy Christmas from all of us at SERE Motors! 🎄🚗