A Scots branch of a car dealership has been saved in a takeover after a major group announced it was shutting locations across the UK. Vauxhall dealerships have been axed after owners Evans Halshaw introduced cost-cutting measures.
Around half-a-dozen of the dealerships across the UK, including Portsmouth, St Albans, Hanworth, Oprington, Wolverhampton and Doncaster have all ceased trading.
Their Vauxhall dealership in Edinburgh was also earmarked for closure. However staff have potentially been saved after rival firm Arnold Clark swooped in to save the branch.
As reported in Car Dealer Magazine, an Arnold Clark spokesperson said: “Arnold Clark can confirm the takeover of the Evans Halshaw Vauxhall dealership in Edinburgh and will begin trading this week.”
The closures come as the brand’s new American owner, Lithia, carries out a downsizing operation across its UK branches.
The Sun reports Lithia took over Evan Halshaw’s parent company, Pendragon in February 2023. Last April the firm cut 250 jobs with the closure of the CarStore used car supermarket brand.
A spokesperson for Evans Halshaw said: “The closure of these stores aligns with our wider strategic network plans, in conjunction with our OEMs and network partners.”
Evans Halshaw raised eyebrows with the sudden closure of a branch back in October, when a Ford dealership ceased trading.
The site in Northwich, on Chester Way, Chesire, announced it was no longer in operation via its Facebook page. At the time no explanation was given.