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A new car showroom opened this week in a move that creates and protects jobs.

The KIA brand will be located at the former Peugeot showroom on Argyll Road, opposite Parc Llandudno.

The site was acquired by North Wales Honda and managing director David Paveley said it would safeguard jobs and also bring new skilled roles.

He said: “The Covid pandemic hit the overall motor trade extremely hard, with new car sales in 2020, 680,000 down on the previous years’ sales. I saw this as a great opportunity to push in the opposite direction and grow our business with a broader offering of products to adjust to the changing needs of our customers.

"There is a necessity to stay relevant with a wide range of hybrid and electric cars, while also catering for customers who don’t feel the need to embrace the new technologies just yet.”

David, who recently employed their first young female trainee technician and graduated a teenage apprentice technician to a full-time position, added: “I looked for which brand would complement Honda in Llandudno, and Kia fitted perfectly.

"Kia offers a different price point and a range of cars that will allow us to build a business sustainable for the town, our growing number of staff and meet car buyers needs in Conwy and the surrounding areas.

“Acquiring the long-established Peugeot site has safeguarded jobs and provided new jobs for skilled workers, much needed after the recent pandemic. I am fully committed to being part of the success of Llandudno and being able to offer opportunities for the local people.”