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The family-run business, which has been serving motorists in the North East for more than 50 years, sees this move as a natural progression in response to evolving automotive customer needs. By partnering with HiQ, a trusted name backed by Goodyear, Richard Hardie aims to offer a complete combination of vehicle sales and autocare for customers under one roof while also expanding its service offerings.
The new HiQ centre in Ashington offers a full range of services, including tyres, servicing, brakes, MOTs, and general repairs. Customers can benefit from same-day or next-day appointments, HiQ’s industry-leading booking portal and main dealer-quality service and facilities.
The decision to invest in bringing HiQ into Richard Hardie’s existing business model was influenced by existing industry partnerships that have demonstrated the value of integrating the nationally recognised autocare brand with an established dealership network.
The new centre opened this month and is managed by Darren Browne, formerly the company’s service manager, who has stepped into an expanded role overseeing the HiQ operations. While the current team is focused on delivering a successful initial launch, the business has plans to expand the workforce in the near future, with two additional technician roles expected to be created.
Nick Hardie, Managing Director, Richard Hardie Group, explained: “We’ve always specialised in new car sales, but we’ve noticed that more customers are holding onto their cars for longer, meaning there’s a greater need for reliable and competitively priced servicing.
We saw an opportunity to work with HiQ to provide a recognised, trusted and main dealer-quality autocare experience for our customers, ensuring we continue to deliver the best possible service for local motorists in Ashington and build strong customer relationships.”
In addition to servicing its existing Fiat and MG customers, the HiQ franchise will also allow Richard Hardie to attract new business from motorists who may not have previously used the dealership’s sales services.
Nick added: “Working with HiQ provides us with a well-established national brand that appeals to a broad customer base. We’re confident that this will drive new footfall while offering our existing customers even more value.”
HiQ Tyres & Autocare Ashington opened its doors to customers on Monday, 3 March 2025. Customers can visit the new autocentre on Lintonville Parkway, Ashington, Northumberland, for expert tyre fitting, MOTs, vehicle servicing, brakes and general repairs.
Credits by Asian Connect & Business Connect
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