Rockar Hyundai set to open a digital store at Bluewater
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Land Securities has today announced an innovative new car retailing experience is to open at Bluewater, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination. Called Rockar Hyundai, the new digital store will provide Bluewater’s guests with an omni-channel purchasing and ownership experience that challenges the traditional model of buying a car.
Rockar Hyundai joins Bluewater on a ten-year lease, rather than the typical pop-up showroom, and is situated in a 2,015 sq ft store on the lower Rose Gallery. It integrates in-store, online and mobile platforms, allowing guests to research, book a test drive, obtain a price for their old car, choose a payment option, purchase and organise a service of their car all at the touch of a button. To complement the digital innovations, Rockar Hyundai ‘Angels’ will also be on hand to answer questions and provide additional help.
Adding to the experience, Rockar Hyundai will have examples of the entire Hyundai range available to test drive, via a dedicated parking area adjacent to the rear of the store. In addition, the brand is opening a servicing facility close to Bluewater to allow Hyundai owners to have their car cared for whilst they enjoy their visit to Bluewater. Completing the immersive experience, Rockar Hyundai will be using key areas within Bluewater’s malls to help bring the brand to life and drive footfall to the store.
Commenting on the news, Tony Whitehorn, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “I am delighted to announce the launch of Rockar Hyundai, a highly innovative and enticing addition to our existing dealer network. It offers consumers an easy and flexible alternative to buying and owning a car unprecedented in the UK automotive industry. Rockar Hyundai is the shape of things to come.”
Simon Dixon, founder of Rockar, also commented: “It is clear from research that customers buying a new car find it an intimidating experience. Rockar’s vision is simple: to ensure the customer is truly at its heart and feels empowered throughout the process. I am delighted Hyundai and Bluewater had the foresight to partner with Rockar on this exciting retail journey.”
Russell Loveland, Portfolio Director at Land Securities, added: “The key drivers of Bluewater’s success are evolution, innovation and experience. This exciting new digital store from Rockar Hyundai exemplifies these themes to create something quite unique. The selection of Bluewater for such a ground-breaking idea highlights its position at the forefront of the industry.”
The announcement is the latest in a series of new additions to Bluewater, with Rockar Hyundai joining Steamer Trading Cookshop, Bill’s, White Stuff and American Eagle in opening at Bluewater ahead of Christmas this year.
