STAFF working for a major car dealership group risk losing their jobs just weeks before Christmas after the closure of a BMW showroom.
The Dorchester-based outlet shut its doors for the final time on Friday after it was deemed “not viable” due to rising costs.
Owned by Vertu Motors, the stylish showroom employed a small workforce of 12 people – with some now facing the prospect of redundancy just before Christmas.
According to the Dorset Echo, some staff members will be transferred to Vertu’s BMW dealership in Yeovil – around 25 miles away.
In an email to customers, Vertu revealed that their details were being passed on to the Yeovil site as part of the changeover.
In a report by Car Dealer Magazine, a spokesperson for Vertu Dorchester said: “We have taken this decision following an assessment of the financial viability of the operation and after discussions with the manufacturer.
“We concluded that the dealership was not viable due to increased costs.
“Several colleagues will transfer to our larger Vertu BMW Mini Yeovil dealership, whilst some, who we will offer our support to, have been put at risk of redundancy.
“Customers can be reassured they will receive excellent sales and aftersales service from our Yeovil dealership.”
In response to the closure, Steve Bulley, president of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “The closure of Vertu Dorchester removes another main car dealership from the town leaving customers with journeys to Yeovil or Poole.
“Our thoughts are with the staff who will find themselves looking for new jobs just before Christmas.
“My hope is that we see many of the local independent garages pick up work keeping the spend in the Dorchester economy.”
This comes just months Vertu, who own popular car sales chain Bristol Street Motors, announced the closure of their Skoda outlet in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
In a similar message, bosses said the store was no longer “viable” and would need to be cut loose.
The dealership giant has also announced major upgrades to a number of showrooms across the country.
The group’s BMW and Mini sites in Sunderland are to undergo a major redevelopment.
They’ve also opened their very first BYD dealership at a brand new, high-tech showroom located in Blackpole, Worcester, which will come with a robot assistant.
The new venture will sit alongside their current Ford dealership at the location, and will include a dedicated showroom for BYD vehicles.
