GM Selects Kroymans Corporation As Sole HUMMER European Distributor
* Kroymans Corporation to distribute HUMMER in addition to Cadillac and Corvette * 50+ dealerships including 15 special HUMMER Centers planned * H3 will be key addition to HUMMER's growth plans for Europe
DETROIT - General Motors has selected Kroymans Corporation B.V. to develop and manage a European dealership network that will sell HUMMER products in the future.
Kroymans Corporation is based in Hilversum, the Netherlands, and is already the European distributor of Cadillac and Corvette vehicles.
John Costin, President, GM Overseas Distribution Corporation, and Ton van Soest, CEO Kroymans Corporation, recently signed a letter of intent for a multi-year distribution agreement. This agreement gives Kroymans exclusive rights to import and distribute HUMMER vehicles into 27 European countries beginning late 2006.
Once a contract is signed, Kroymans Corporation plans to setup 50+ dealerships solely dedicated for marketing HUMMER products. This number includes 15 special HUMMER Centers to be based in the larger metropolitan areas. Kroymans Corporation, in cooperation with GM, will also develop dealer standards, assess dealer candidates, specify facilities requirements, and intends to integrate each of the already existing trademark licencees into the expanded distribution network provided they meet the required franchise standards.
"This new agreement between General Motors and Kroymans Corporation expresses our common confidence in enlarging our existing partnership and common strategy to successfully market an iconic brand like HUMMER", said Ton van Soest, CEO Kroymans Corporation.
A key product for HUMMER's expansion in Europe and around the world will certainly be the all-new HUMMER H3. H3 just recently made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2005. HUMMER H3 sales will begin in Europe in the second half of 2005 and initially will be offered to all markets with a Vortec 3.5L inline five-cylinder engine with an output of 220hp (164 kW) at 5600 rpm. However, as part of its growth plan, HUMMER will produce a global version of the H3 with added features and content specifically for markets outside North America at a later stage.
"HUMMER's iconic design and unparalleled off-road performance are recognized around the world," said Susan Docherty, HUMMER general manager. "With this new powerful distribution network and the all-new, midsize H3 arriving in Europe, we feel that we take an important step in reaching our European customers."