Major UK Car Dealership Vertu Motors Shuts Five Sites Nationwide
A prominent UK car dealership group has made the difficult decision to close five of its showroom locations, citing financial unviability and shifting market conditions. Vertu Motors has confirmed the closure of these sites, which will require drivers to travel to alternative dealerships for vehicle sales and services.
Affected Dealerships and Locations
The specific dealerships that have been closed include Honda Bradford and Citroen Macclesfield, along with Launceston Peugeot, Barnstaple Peugeot, and Barnstaple Volvo. These closures are part of a strategic review by Vertu Motors to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations.
For customers in Macclesfield, the closure of the Citroen dealership means the nearest alternative is now located in Derby, Derbyshire, which represents a significant increase in travel distance. Similarly, Honda customers in Bradford will need to visit Vertu Honda Huddersfield, approximately twelve miles away.
Company Statement and Employee Impact
A spokesperson for Vertu Motors explained the decision, stating, "We have carefully reviewed the financial viability of our Honda Bradford and Citroen Macclesfield dealerships, and made the difficult decision to close them." The company emphasized that all affected employees have retained their jobs, having been transferred to adjacent dealerships such as Vertu Kia Bradford and Vertu BYD Macclesfield.
The spokesperson added, "We look forward to welcoming customers at any of our Vertu dealerships, where they may expect the same excellent standard of customer service they are used to." This reassures customers that service quality will remain consistent despite the location changes.
Broader Industry Context and Challenges
These closures occur against a backdrop of significant challenges in the UK automotive retail sector. Businesses are facing increased operational costs under the current Labour Party government, coupled with rising interest rates that affect both dealership financing and consumer purchasing power.
Consumer behavior has undergone dramatic transformation, with a growing preference for online car shopping intensifying competition among dealerships. Additionally, manufacturers are increasingly pursuing direct sales models, bypassing traditional dealership networks entirely.
This trend is not isolated to Vertu Motors. Last year alone, approximately eighty dealerships closed across the United Kingdom as the industry adapts to digital transformation and changing customer expectations. The shift toward internet-based vehicle research and purchasing continues to reshape the automotive retail landscape fundamentally.
Vertu Motors' website now directs Macclesfield customers to their Derby location for Citroen services, stating, "Citroen Macclesfield is now closed. You can still get the same great Vertu experience at our other dealerships in Macclesfield and the surrounding area. The team at Vertu Citroen Derby are able to assist with all your motoring needs."
