New Hippo division targets overseas sales

The growth plans of Blackburn-based Hippo Motor Group include overseas sales for a new range of aftermarket kits for vehicles.

Hippo recently completed the £4m expansion of its Blackburn premises, adding 10,000 sq ft and doubling the number of staff in its sales department.

Recent developments include the launch of Hippo Flexi-Lease, offering flexible leasing plan which allow customers to adopt a US-style vehicle subscription service, signing up to a three-month rolling contract with the ability to change vehicles regularly.

Sister company Sterling Automotive Design is also targeting growth further afield with the launch of bespoke aftermarket vehicle kits which will be sold in the UK, the United States, Canada and Dubai.

Tom Preston, managing director at Hippo Motor Group, said: “The recent investment in our premises has significantly enhanced our capacity to meet demand and continue growing.

“The success we’ve had in recent years has been beyond all expectation and it’s right that we continue to build on that momentum by investing further in new property, vehicles, staff and now expanding our operations overseas through Sterling Automotive Design Ltd."

The group's plans have been supported by funding from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Together, they have seen Hippo has grown its employee base from 145 to 235 since 2018 and are now on track to sells over 7,500 vehicles every year.

John Csizmadia, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Hippo Motor Group is an example of a dynamic business that simply refuses to stand still.

“Thanks to the ambition and drive of the management team, the firm has cultivated a trusted and successful brand that will ensure it continues to prosper with each new venture."

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