A FAMILY-RUN car dealership in Chippenham recently celebrated a 20 year partnership with Kia.

To mark the milestone, Chippenham Motor Company, on Bumpers Farm, was visited by Kia Motors UK sales director, Steve Hicks and presented with an award to recognise the long-term partnership.

Staff and customers were in attendance to celebrate the milestone partnership.

Kia started trading in the UK in 1991, making Chippenham Motor Company one of the first sellers in this country.

The Japanese car giant sold around 1,800 vehicles in its first year in the UK, which is 35% of the sales figures for 2019 so far.

Managing director of Chippenham Motor Company, Adam Bailey, accepted the award in front of the Kia team and several loyal customers, who joined to celebrate the occasion.

He said: “In the beginning, we were one of only a handful of Kia dealers in the country.

“We have watched the brand grow into something amazing and we are proud to have been part of that journey.”

General manager Ben Munns added: “The next few years are set to be a really exciting time for Kia, and Chippenham Motor Company as a Kia dealer.

"Not only are the new models an amazing addition to the line-up, like the Kia XCeed and fully electric Kia e-Niro, we are expecting some really incredible new cars coming up in 2020 and beyond.”

Another showroom run by Chippenham Motor Company is getting into the Christmas spirit as they gear up to host a festive carol concert.

Guests can enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie on Friday (December 6), as they listen to the Lyneham Military Wives Choir perform holiday classics at Chippenham Motor Company's MRG Ford & Volvo showroom, in Methuen Park, Chippenham.

Emma Smith, of Chippenham Motor Company, said: "We are really looking forward to hosting this event again.

"Just like last year, we’ll have the Christmas tree and the fantastic choir singing. We are looking forward to a festive evening"

The doors open at 6.30pm, with the choir starting at 7pm, and tickets can be bought for £5 at http://www.mrgcars.co.uk/christmas-carols/.