Car dealership run by major franchise closes after just 17 months – and it might not be the last
A CAR dealership owned by a major franchise has shut up shop after just 17 months – and more closures could be on the way.
Bravoauto has shut its branch in Fenton, Staffordshire, and has removed the vehicles from the site.
The company, which is owned by Inchcape, only opened the site on Victoria Road in June last year.
Bosses at used car dealership say five bravoauto sites closed on November 30 and a consultation is underway with staff at three other facilities.
Previously, Citroen was on the site before quitting and it was hoped the arrival of bravoauto would mean a new chapter.
Bravoauto had created 18 new jobs.
Signs have now been put up in the windows telling potential customers with sales enquiries to call bravoauto in Warrington.
Meanwhile, queries for MOT or servicing must be directed to Audi or Volkswagen garaged in Macclesfield.
The closure of the bravoauto site comes as the former Fowlers Finance base next door also remains empty.
A spokesperson for bravoauto said: “We continuously develop and optimise our go-to-market approach for bravoauto and have made good progress since launching in 2021.
“Having analysed the returns in each site, we are taking steps to optimise our existing network.
“This has resulted in the closure of five sites on 30 November and we are in consultation with colleagues at three additional sites.
“We are continuing to work closely with our colleagues to retain their expertise within our business and are seeking redeployment opportunities where possible.
“We remain fully committed to our existing bravoauto sites and the bravoauto model and are confident in their potential to deliver value.”