A CAR dealership will create 20 North-East jobs at a new showroom.

Jennings Motor Group will open its new Kia franchise on Opus Park, Preston Hall Farm, Stockton, later this month.

The move is Jennings' second partnership with Kia, after setting up a franchise in Washington, Wearside, in 2011.

The group employs 388 workers at branches in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Gateshead, South Shields and Washington, with an annual turnover of £124m.

Nas Khan, Jennings Motor Group managing director, said: “We are delighted to once again be joining forces with Kia Motors following the expansion and recent investment.

“This demonstrates our commitment to Kia as a manufacturer, but it also shows our dedication to the people of the North-East with the creation of new jobs.”

Simon Hetherington, Kia business development director, said: “We have experienced a period of very exciting development in the UK and demand continues to grow as our models are becoming better known .

“We’re thrilled that Jennings has seen the potential for further growth with Kia in Teesside and are looking forward to getting behind the new franchise and helping to make it a success.”