MOVING OUT
UK car dealership closes its doors for the final time… but will continue trading in Spain as owner teases ‘big plans’
It was also revealed a huge car dealership would shut after 20 years with 'no plans' to reopen
A POPULAR used car dealership will close its doors for good - but a senior executive has ensured the decision was "through choice".
Motor Connect, based in Northwich, Cheshire, sells many makes and models from Ford and Vauxhall to Volvo, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.
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The dealership's managing director Steve Corwood announced "big plans" were in motion which meant Motor Connect had to close.
In a post shared to social media this week, he explained that he and his family had decided to remain in Spain after moving there some time ago to establish Motor Connect Mallorca.
He said: "The jungle drums have been beating so it’s time for me to let you all know. The time has come for us to close the doors at Motor Connect.
"Firstly I want thank all of our customers, partners and friends for your support over the years. I think it’s important for everyone to know that this is a decision through choice!"
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Mr Corwood added that the move would give some of his team the opportunity to move to a "fantastic new brand with big plans".
The long-time car enthusiast began working in the motor trade when he was just 23, as a manager at Arnold Clark, and set up Motor Connect in April 2018.
It very quickly saw success and was this year highly commended in the Newcomer Dealership category at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards.
Mr Corwood said of Motor Connect's impending closure: "The timing was right for everyone and I am very fortunate to have had the support of the team, especially whilst making our move abroad.
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"It’s very rare you find the level of loyalty and trust like this. Thank you guys. They now have the opportunity to grow once more and I wish everyone the best moving forward."
The decision to move abroad in the first place was a personal one, Mr Corwood said, and his family recently chose to make it permanent.
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He continued: "We’ve had a fantastic time with some ups and downs but largely I am very proud of what we have achieved as a team and also the boundaries we pushed, whilst on the most part we were punching well above our weight in a tough sector.
"I cannot express my gratitude enough for everyone who supported us and the team throughout our time.
"We are truly grateful."
It comes after it was revealed in September that a huge car dealership would shut after 20 years, with "no plans" to reopen.
The shop was a victim of the cutting of ties between a major manufacturer and a big-name retail franchise.
Motors giant Citroen announced that it would no longer supply dealership franchise Barretts with its cars, meaning two of its dedicated Citroen dealers would be forced to close.
The affected stores were Barretts Citroen and DS Automotives in Canterbury, Kent; both shut on September 15.
This month, a huge car dealership site that had been open for two years before closing down was set to sell for £1.9million.
The Halifax based Bravoauto site was one of eight plots closed down by owners Inchcape in November last year.
Whoever buys the property it will get a modern dealership comprising a double-height showroom, offices, ancillary, and a workshop all measuring just under 19,000 sqquare feet.
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Outside, there are four EV charging spaces. Some 154 motors can fit on 1.65 acres of space.
The site was closed last year after the dealership failed to make a profit high enough to justify continued operations.
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