Latest news with #SummerRaemason
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Car dealership still lying abandoned after its sudden closure two YEARS ago – as decision on new plans is delayed again
PLANS to turn a car dealership, left abandoned and empty for two years, into shops have been delayed once again. The local council has been dragging its feet over a change of use Advertisement 2 The showroom has stood empty for almost two years Credit: Google Maps A former Kia garage, the site on Stratford Road, Warwick, has been left abandoned since the dealerships sudden closure in 2023. A change of use Planning documents said one unit would become a convenience shop and the other would be taken over by a small business. Parking spaces and electric vehicle charging spaces were also planned for the site. Advertisement Read more in Motors The plans for the site were due to go in front of Warwick District They were then slated to go before the committee again on May 20 but were once again knocked back. Plans were taken off the Tuesday meeting's agenda to "enable the applicant to clarify certain aspects of their proposal." Planning officers had recommended the pans for refusal previously, raising concerns about Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive The site has been left empty since April 2023 with a replacement Kia dealership opening up nearby in May 2023. Plans to repurpose the abandoned site have hit several roadblocks with objections raised by locals. The building has been floated on the market with It was listed for £1.1 million and boasted 9,200 sq ft which included two showrooms, a workshop and a tyre fitting bay. Advertisement As well as the publics objections to the recent plans for a change of use, Warwick Town Council submitted one. The council had raised concerns of the Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures. Residents concerns with the plans ranged from opening hours to access safety to parking. Issues were raised with what the second unit would become as well. Advertisement Plans suggested a hairdresser or a funeral parlour but no business was confirmed to be taking on the second unit. There were a total of 32 objections, including one duplicate, to the plans. The majority raised similar issues with parking, safety and no need for more retail units being top concerns. Advertisement By comparison only 13 support comments were received, on being a duplicate. Top factors sited by supporters were the support for the local economy and the provision of jobs. 2 Plans for a change of use keep getting knocked back Credit: Google Maps
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
‘Highly recommended' car dealership with nearly perfect review scores suddenly shuts
A HIGHLY recommended car dealership with excellent reviews has closed suddenly. The Evans Halshaw location ceased trading quietly earlier this month with no warning given. Advertisement 3 The tiny location bought second hand cars from locals Credit: Google One of the firms 'direct hubs' the small location in Stoke on Trent ceased trading without a word. It boasted glowing reviews from happy customers and an impressive 4.7 stars on Google. The little site in the carpark of a Morrisons could be used by locals to sell or part exchange their motors. Evans Halshaw has wound down operations in the UK with several dealerships and locations closing across the country. Advertisement Read more in Motors The move comes after the firm's parent company, Pendragon, was taken over by US-based Lithia Motors last year. With the takeover restructuring was implemented and it was reported in February that several dealerships would close. The Evans Halshaw Renault and Dacia site in Doncaster and its Vauxhall sites in Portsmouth and Wolverhampton were earmarked for closure. The firms Edinburgh Vauxhall dealership was sold off to Arnold Clark as part of the restructuring. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Several of its direct hub sites were also slated to cease trading with the Stoke location shutting up shop this month. Lithia reportedly cut 250 jobs last year when the US business killed off the 'CarShop' used car supermarket brand. The Stoke Evans Halshaw Direct Pod was closed without warning and still shows as open online. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures. The only indication of the impending closure was a small line of text buried away on the Evans Halshaw site. Advertisement It read: "The following dealerships ceased trading in May 2025: Evans Halshaw Direct Pod Stoke." The Sun contacted Evans Halshaw for comment, with the company saying: "The Direct pod at Stoke has now closed for business." The direct pod in Stoke boasted glowing online reviews with dozens of customers offering four or five stars. An employee, James, was frequently mentioned and applauded for his good communication. Advertisement The site also offered a "very good price" to customers looking to sell their cars according to the reviews. Customer David Pratt said: "Many thanks to James at Car Store Direct who made the whole experience of selling my car as easy and trouble free as possible, even providing a better price for my car than a number of competitors. "A very fair and professional service I would have no hesitation in recommending my friend's and relatives to Car Store Direct and James in particular." 3 It ceased trading without a word Credit: Google Advertisement Stephen Wood, another former customer added: "Highly recommend James and the service we received. "Quick efficient and easy, money arrived in our account earlier than expected, well done." Craig Kennedy said: "Sold my car today and I must say the overall experience via carstore has been fantastic. "James was a pleasure to deal with. I would definitely deal with James and the company again if needed." Advertisement Jayne Taylor said: "James was very helpful we turned up with a flat battery he helped to restart the car he was very polite and any queries were dealt with really promptly a very easy selling of my car." All four customers offered five star reviews to the Evans Halshaw location. Evans Halshaw confirmed that eight dealerships ceased trading earlier this year. Dacia Doncaster, Dacia Sheffield, Renault Doncaster, Vauxhall Portsmouth, Vauxhall Wolverhampton, Evans Halshaw Direct Pod St Albans, Evans Halshaw Direct Pod Hanworth and Evans Halshaw Direct Pod Orpington all shut shop in January. Advertisement 3 The site had sparkling reviews from customers Credit: Google
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
‘Highly recommended' car dealership with nearly perfect review scores suddenly shuts
The closure is part of a large restructuring project CLOSING UP 'Highly recommended' car dealership with nearly perfect review scores suddenly shuts Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HIGHLY recommended car dealership with excellent reviews has closed suddenly. The Evans Halshaw location ceased trading quietly earlier this month with no warning given. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The tiny location bought second hand cars from locals Credit: Google One of the firms 'direct hubs' the small location in Stoke on Trent ceased trading without a word. It boasted glowing reviews from happy customers and an impressive 4.7 stars on Google. The little site in the carpark of a Morrisons could be used by locals to sell or part exchange their motors. Evans Halshaw has wound down operations in the UK with several dealerships and locations closing across the country. The move comes after the firm's parent company, Pendragon, was taken over by US-based Lithia Motors last year. With the takeover restructuring was implemented and it was reported in February that several dealerships would close. The Evans Halshaw Renault and Dacia site in Doncaster and its Vauxhall sites in Portsmouth and Wolverhampton were earmarked for closure. The firms Edinburgh Vauxhall dealership was sold off to Arnold Clark as part of the restructuring. Several of its direct hub sites were also slated to cease trading with the Stoke location shutting up shop this month. Lithia reportedly cut 250 jobs last year when the US business killed off the 'CarShop' used car supermarket brand. The Stoke Evans Halshaw Direct Pod was closed without warning and still shows as open online. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures. The only indication of the impending closure was a small line of text buried away on the Evans Halshaw site. It read: "The following dealerships ceased trading in May 2025: Evans Halshaw Direct Pod Stoke." The Sun contacted Evans Halshaw for comment, with the company saying: "The Direct pod at Stoke has now closed for business." The direct pod in Stoke boasted glowing online reviews with dozens of customers offering four or five stars. An employee, James, was frequently mentioned and applauded for his good communication. The site also offered a "very good price" to customers looking to sell their cars according to the reviews. Customer David Pratt said: "Many thanks to James at Car Store Direct who made the whole experience of selling my car as easy and trouble free as possible, even providing a better price for my car than a number of competitors. "A very fair and professional service I would have no hesitation in recommending my friend's and relatives to Car Store Direct and James in particular." 3 It ceased trading without a word Credit: Google Stephen Wood, another former customer added: "Highly recommend James and the service we received. "Quick efficient and easy, money arrived in our account earlier than expected, well done." Craig Kennedy said: "Sold my car today and I must say the overall experience via carstore has been fantastic. "James was a pleasure to deal with. I would definitely deal with James and the company again if needed." Jayne Taylor said: "James was very helpful we turned up with a flat battery he helped to restart the car he was very polite and any queries were dealt with really promptly a very easy selling of my car." All four customers offered five star reviews to the Evans Halshaw location. Evans Halshaw confirmed that eight dealerships ceased trading earlier this year. Dacia Doncaster, Dacia Sheffield, Renault Doncaster, Vauxhall Portsmouth, Vauxhall Wolverhampton, Evans Halshaw Direct Pod St Albans, Evans Halshaw Direct Pod Hanworth and Evans Halshaw Direct Pod Orpington all shut shop in January.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Popular city car dealership closing with 60 jobs at risk if a new site can't be secured
Scroll down to find out why so many car dealerships are closing in the UK SHUT UP SHOP Popular city car dealership closing with 60 jobs at risk if a new site can't be secured Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR car dealership is set to close, with 60 jobs at risk if a new site is not found for the business. The Kia dealership in Cambridge is "subject to closure in September 2025", as part of the North-East Cambridge Area Action Plan, which will create a major new district in the city. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Kia dealership is set to close in September Credit: Google maps 2 60 jobs are at risk due to the closure Credit: Google maps The owners of the dealership have proposed moving it to a site on Ely road that they say is a 'highly suitable location' for 'retaining employment'. However, the plans have so far seen nine objections from concerned locals. One local said the potential traffic caused by the dealership would be "completely incompatible" with the village. Another resident said: "An increase of traffic would likely further exacerbate the North Lodge Park estate parking. "The new use would also lead to car transporters using this junction, which would likely also lead to additional disruption for residents and estate users.' The building which the dealership plans to take over is currently unoccupied. Plans include making "modest aesthetic" changes to one side of the building and entrance, to match the branding of the dealership. This comes after another car dealership, TC Harrison Ford in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, closed its doors for the last time on Friday. The closure was confirmed after planners granted permission for a new retirement village to be built on the dealership's site last year. TC Harrison confirmed last month that the dealership would close on May 16, 2025. Major UK car dealership closes down Happily, there will be no job losses following the closure, with all business activities and staff to relocate to the the firm's Huntingdon branch, just 11 miles away. And a huge car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles currently on sale will close within weeks putting over 100 jobs at risk. The German online used car marketplace has made heavy losses since opening in the UK in 2019 when it looked to rival Auto Trader and Motors. Heycar's majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), have pulled the plug leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France at risk of losing their jobs. A large proportion of Heycar's employees are based in the UK. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures. They are expected to close in the UK shortly after their closure in Germany, expected to be in mid-May. And a Volkswagen dealership in Wirral has also recently closed, after it's owner US-based Group 1 decided it was restructuring, as part of a £346 million deal. A Volkswagen spokesperson told the Globe: 'We can confirm that Group 1 Volkswagen Wirral ceased trading at the end of March and is now closed. 'Our focus when any network changes take place remains on convenience and the highest levels of service. 'Customers have been contacted to advise them of alternative sales, service and parts facilities.' Hundreds of jobs are at risk due to the restructuring.
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Popular city car dealership closing with 60 jobs at risk if a new site can't be secured
A POPULAR car dealership is set to close, with 60 jobs at risk if a new site is not found for the business. The Kia dealership in Cambridge is "subject to closure in September 2025", as part of the North-East Cambridge Area Action Plan, which will create a major new district in the city. 2 The Kia dealership is set to close in September Credit: Google maps 2 60 jobs are at risk due to the closure Credit: Google maps The owners of the dealership have proposed moving it to a site on Ely road that they say is a 'highly suitable location' for 'retaining employment'. However, the plans have so far seen nine objections from concerned locals. One local said the potential traffic caused by the dealership would be "completely incompatible" with the village. Another resident said: "An increase of traffic would likely further exacerbate the North Lodge Park estate parking. Read more motors stories "The new use would also lead to car transporters using this junction, which would likely also lead to additional disruption for residents and estate users.' The building which the dealership plans to take over is currently unoccupied. Plans include making "modest aesthetic" changes to one side of the building and entrance, to match the branding of the dealership. This comes after another car dealership, TC Harrison Ford in St Neots, , Most read in Motors The closure was confirmed after planners granted permission for a new retirement village to be built on the dealership's site last year. TC Harrison confirmed last month that the dealership would close on May 16, 2025. Major UK car dealership closes down Happily, there will be no job losses following the closure, with all business activities and staff to relocate to the the firm's And a huge The German online used car marketplace has made heavy losses since opening in the UK in 2019 when it looked to rival Auto Trader and Motors. Heycar's majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), have pulled the plug leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France at risk of losing their jobs. A large proportion of Heycar's employees are based in the UK. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures. They are expected to close in the UK shortly after their closure in Germany, expected to be in mid-May. And a Volkswagen dealership in Wirral has also recently closed, after it's owner a A Volkswagen spokesperson told the Globe: 'We can confirm that Group 1 Volkswagen Wirral ceased trading at the end of March and is now closed. 'Our focus when any network changes take place remains on convenience and the highest levels of service. 'Customers have been contacted to advise them of alternative sales, service and parts facilities.' Hundreds of jobs are at risk due to the restructuring.
