BUSINESSMAN BILL CULLEN is back in the Irish motor trade again with a new dealership selling a Korean range of SUVs and used cars.

Cullen was formerly owner of the Renault Ireland franchise until it went into receivership in 2012. In April last year his hotel in Killarney, Kerry, was also appointed a receiver with Cullen and his partner Jackie Lavin saying they were “devastated”.

Yesterday he said he was “delighted to be back”, after being appointed an official dealer for the SsangYong franchise in a new showroom that has opened on the Naas Road.

“I’ve been itching to get back into the motor trade for some time,” he said. “I had noticed that SsangYong had a new range that was performing well in other markets and when I spotted that it had entered the Irish market I knew it was time to make a move.”

Cullen and Lavin have recruited a team of sales people and servicemen for the showroom.

Joe Harris, CEO SsangYong Motors Ireland said he was thrilled to have Cullen on board.

“Bill has been a cornerstone and pioneer of the Irish motor trade for many years and his personal and professional achievements are second to none,” he said. “We are delighted to have a person of such incredible achievements and his excellent team on board and we are confident that this appointment will see the SsangYong brand continuing to go from strength to strength.”

Read: Bill Cullen says ‘entrepreneurs have no future’ following hotel receivership>