South Shields company sets sights on USA market with Department for International Trade support

Sear Motor Holdings is set to go global with its bespoke upgrades and support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).

The South Shields-based business sources Land Rover Defenders offering a huge range of modifications before delivering the vehicles to customers across the world, but mainly across the US and Canada.

David Slater, owner of Sear Motor Holdings, has dedicated his professional career to the automotive industry, and now travels over 100,000 miles a year to source and deliver personalised Land Rover Defenders.

David said: “We specialise in the refurbishment of genuine left-hand drive Defenders that are sourced from all over Europe. Last year alone I travelled over 138,000 miles to source Land Rovers from across Europe, travelling as far east as Croatia.

“Once we source the cars, we transport them to our base in South Shields and personalise them to suit the specification of each client, before they are then shipped to the US.

“We are now one of the largest exporters of Land Rover Defenders to the US and Canada, and looking forward to travelling further afield to source yet more clients and cars in the upcoming year.”

Modifications have ranged from changing the seat configuration to accommodate a surfboard for a customer in Malibu, to fitting an automatic transmission in Beverly Hills.

David added: “Every member of our team of 12 is passionate about what we do. We love Land Rover Defenders and our passion means that every Defender is designed and delivered to the customer’s exact specification.

“Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of the client come first. We pride ourselves on the quality of our product and the professionalism of our conduct.”

As well as supporting trips to visit clients in New York and Nantucket, DIT has also supported the development of Sear Motor Holdings’ fantastic website, which enables clients to “build their own Defender”.

Director of International Trade, Julie Underwood, concluded: “The Defender is a much-sought after brand across the world and we are delighted to be able to help Sear Motor Holdings engage with overseas clients and make sure this British standard continues to conquer all terrains in every corner of the globe.

“It is a pleasure to work with David and his team of experts, as they continue to clock up considerable air miles building a worldwide client base. I am looking forward to see what the future holds for Sear Motor Holdings - a company that continues to make impressive progress… Just like the cars they love so much.”

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