Vertu Motors Closes Honda and Citroen Dealerships in Strategic Restructure

Vertu Motors Restructures Northern England Operations

Vertu Motors, a prominent member of the Car Dealer Top 100, has taken decisive action by closing two of its showrooms in the north of England. The dealer group has ceased trading at its Honda Bradford and Citroen Macclesfield locations following a thorough internal review which concluded the sites were no longer financially viable.

A Pattern of Strategic Closures

This latest move is part of a wider strategic review by the automotive retailer. It comes just weeks after Vertu entered into talks to close three other showrooms that were acquired as part of its takeover of Helston Garages at the end of 2022. This indicates a concerted effort by the group to streamline its portfolio and strengthen its overall financial position in a challenging market.

Job Security Prioritised Amid Closures

In a positive outcome for employees, Vertu Motors has confirmed that the closures will not result in any redundancies. The company has successfully redistributed all staff from the affected sites to neighbouring dealerships. Colleagues from the Honda Bradford site have been transferred to the adjacent Vertu Kia Bradford, while staff from Citroen Macclesfield have moved to the nearby Vertu BYD Macclesfield location. This swift action underscores the group's commitment to securing jobs within the organisation.

Impact on Local Customers

The primary impact of these closures falls on the local customer base. Citroen owners in the Macclesfield area now face a significantly longer journey for servicing and maintenance, being redirected to Vertu Citroen Derby—a round trip of approximately 90 miles. Honda customers in Bradford have a shorter alternative, with Vertu Honda Huddersfield located around 12 miles away.

Official Statement from Vertu Motors

A spokesperson for Vertu Motors provided official confirmation, stating: "We have carefully reviewed the financial viability of our Honda Bradford and Citroen Macclesfield dealerships, and made the difficult decision to close them. All colleagues have retained employment, having been transferred to the respective dealerships of ours next door: Vertu Kia Bradford and Vertu BYD Macclesfield. We look forward to welcoming customers at any of our Vertu dealerships, where they may expect the same excellent standard of customer service they are used to."

This restructure highlights the ongoing challenges and adaptations within the UK's automotive retail sector as major groups like Vertu Motors work to optimise their networks for future sustainability.