Kia Expands North East Presence with New Dedicated Passenger and Purpose Built Van Centre in Gateshead
Leading automotive retailer Lookers has significantly bolstered Kia’s presence in the North East as part of a major investment by creating a new dual-purpose Kia Passenger Vehicle and Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) Commercial Vehicle Centre in Gateshead.
This stunning, state-of-the-art facility is open now, offering private and business customers direct access to Kia’s growing range and award-winning EVs.
Backed by an almost 60-strong local team of trained specialists, test vehicles and the latest advice on finance, charging and infrastructure, the next generation Lookers Gateshead site reflects Kia’s ambition to lead the shift in electric mobility, offering flexibility, scale and smart solutions.
Located on Derwentwater Road, Dunston in Gateshead, the stunning showroom features a full display of Kia’s award-winning passenger vehicles while also showcasing its latest electric and hybrid models including the Kia EV3, EV9, EV6, Kia Sportage and the Kia PV5.
Kia’s commercial PBV range is built from the ground up as all-electric workhorses. With clever modular design, fast charging and smart connectivity, PV5 is ready to cut running costs, keeping businesses moving in and around Gateshead and the North East.
A specialist business support unit at the site also includes dedicated consultation areas specifically for business and fleet customers at the site which also includes on-site servicing and aftersales support by Kia-trained technicians.
Lookers’ Kia General Manager, Matt Potts, said:
“We’re thrilled to be strengthening our partnership with Kia and to share in its ambition by bringing an outstanding, award-winning range to even more customers across the Northeast from our new state-of-the-art facility in Gateshead.
The all-new site represents a significant investment by Lookers in Gateshead and the wider region, delivering unrivalled choice, value and expertise for an exceptional Kia driving experience and which supports businesses keen to future proof their own ambitions. This top-selling, innovative UK brand which registered over 113,000 customers in 2025 delivers exceptional performance and we’re proud to be a strategic partner.
The new centre showcases Kia’s complete award-winning passenger vehicle lineup, with a primary focus on the brand's latest electric and hybrid innovations. Beyond private transport, the site serves as a strategic hub for regional industry, featuring a dedicated consultation area specifically designed for business and fleet customers.
“Our new Gateshead site is another step on Lookers’ growth plans and are commitment to bring customers unrivalled choice, expertise and support in facilities that set the standard,”
Lookers’ Operations Director Dave Graham said.
“Gateshead is an important location in our local, regional and national expansion and we’re delighted to growing with Kia in its mission to bring the best driving experience to domestic and business users.”
Open seven days a week, the Kia PV and PBV Centre Gateshead is fully operational and welcomes visitors from across the town, from Newcastle, the Tyne & Wear region and further afield to explore the range.
The Kia Gateshead site at Derwentwater Road is also home to Lookers’ Ford Service Centre – part of the community for over six decades – and which has over 600 years of combined Ford aftersales service experience.
Through its Lookers and Charles Hurst brands, Lookers represents 38 luxury, supersports, premium and volume car, commercial vehicle and motorcycle brands in the UK and Ireland across 150 franchised dealerships.