Three Major Uk Car Dealerships To Close In Days As Us Giant Makes ‘drastic Cutbacks’ And Staff Left Furious

THREE major UK car dealerships are set to close in just days as the US giant makes “drastic cutbacks”, leaving staff furious.

Group 1 Automotive will shut three Volkswagen Group sites on March 31.

Volkswagen Wirral is set to close Along with Audi Approved Hydegetty

The confirmed sites are Audi Approved Hyde, and Volkswagen Wirral and Cheltenham.

Group 1 Automotive acquired the trio as part of its £346m deal to buy Inchcape’s UK dealerships last the summer.

It effectively doubled its own footprint on this side of the Atlantic.

Since then, the American firm is said to have been “knee deep” in drastic cutsbacks.

One insider accused the group of carrying out a “cull” of former Inchcape staff, Car Dealer reports.

Multiple sources have confirmed the closures to Car Dealer with another insider telling them: “Group 1 Automotive has announced the closure of three of its sites.

“The doors will close on March 31. VW Wirral, VW Cheltenham, and Audi Hyde. The announcement was made internally on February 24.”

In response, a spokesman for Group 1 Automotive told Car Dealer: “Due to the ongoing challenges presented by the current economic climate, we are unfortunately having to take some difficult decisions, which include the closure of our VW Wirral and Cheltenham stores, and Audi Approved Hyde.

“Despite the fantastic efforts from the teams there, these stores are not financially viable and so will close at the end of the month.

“We have spoken directly to all the teams impacted and our immediate focus is on supporting our impacted colleagues and working closely with them during this transition.

“We intend to redeploy as many colleagues as possible and support them to apply for other suitable roles within the business.”

It comes after Car Dealer revealed that two other Volkswagen dealerships were being axed by rival dealer Marshall Motor Group.

Those being Marshall Volkswagen Horsham and Aylesbury are expected to close at the end of March.

Staff were said to be in “total shock” after they were told that they could be out of work as a result of the closures.

An insider told Car Dealer: “No one knew anything about it, not even the managers, so it did come as a total shock.”

“There’s not been any offers made for people to stay on with Marshalls elsewhere but we have been told that a consultation period is going on.

“The hardest bit for me is moving on from all the staff. I love it here, it’s a great bunch and now we’re all just expected to disperse,” they added.

After the bombshell, some of the sales executives from the branches have jumped on LinkedIn to find new work.

Adrian Nastase, a senior sales executive at the Horsham site, wrote: “I’m saddened to announce that I’m now open to new opportunities and seeking a position in the sales department within the motor trade.

“Working at Volkswagen Horsham has been an unforgettable experience – not just professionally, but personally.

“We truly were a family there, and I have loved every moment spent with my colleagues. It’s a tough goodbye, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.

“If anyone knows of any roles or opportunities, I’d appreciate the connection and support.”

The Sun has approached Volkswagen Group UK for comment