US automaker Tesla to launch Leeds dealership

Electric car manufacturer Tesla is set to open the doors to its new showroom in Leeds this week.

The launch of the dealership, which will occupy space at the Victoria Quarter shopping centre, forms part of the US firm’s ongoing strategy to expand its audience by opening smaller showrooms in busy retail hubs, as opposed to establishing larger dealerships in standalone locations.

The Leeds showroom will be the California-headquartered automaker’s 14th site in the UK, with other locations including the Bluewater retail centre in Kent and the Touchwood centre in Solihull.

Commercial real estate firm CBRE is advising Tesla on some of its store deals, according to a report in the International Business Times.

The senior director of CBRE’s retail agency, Kevin Farrow, said: “Tesla wants to develop their store portfolio in a retail environment where there is a clear link with other premium brands and where they can create a welcoming environment for all shoppers.

“The response has been quite extraordinary as you have had people coming in their lunch breaks and placing orders for cars that can cost more than £50k.”

The new showroom, the IBT reported further, is believed to be designed with a minimalist interior. Staff, meanwhile, will be technically trained as opposed to sales focussed, enabling them to advise customers on the functionality of Tesla’s electric car range.

Today, the firm has expanded its network of charging points to 113 locations across the UK.