A FAMILY-run car dealership group has been forced to close a long-standing Citroen outlet.
Daler group Wilmoths has said “every effort is being made to minimise disruption” after the firm took the decision to shut up shop at their location on Bar End Road, Winchester, Hampshire.
According to the Hampshire Chronicle, the Wilmoths Citroen has served the local community for “many years of business” with the future of the site now left “unclear”.
Their report states the location ceased trading on 20 June, following a review as its lease was nearing expiry.
Sunil Joshi, managing director, said: “We can confirm that the Wilmoths Winchester Bar End branch is closing.
“The lease for the site was due for renewal, and after careful consideration, we have made the decision not to extend it.
“This choice reflects our ongoing efforts to streamline operations while continuing to provide excellent service to our customers, many of whom are also able to access our nearby Wilmoths Southampton branch.
“We are committed to keeping our customers informed and ensuring a smooth transition.
“Every effort is being made to minimise disruption and maintain the high level of service our customers expect.”
The aforementioned Wilmoths Southampton branch is located some 13 miles away.
The brand, which also trades as Jarretts, represents Citroen, DS, Fiat, Abarth and Peugeot, with sites found across Kent, Hampshire, Berskhire, Sussex and Surrey.
HIT THE BRAKES
After a problem-strewn period of months, Nissan has confirmed it will be axing hundreds of jobs at one of its Sunderland factory.
The move comes after the firm reported £4 billion losses in the last financial year.
250 jobs will be cut under a “voluntary leave scheme” letting employees choose to leave their roles with support from the company.
It comes just weeks after the Japanese firm announced the new Nissan Leaf would be made at the Sunderland site.
The job losses will hit non-manufacturing positions with around 250 staff to be made redundant.
Nissan has announced the cuts amid a desperate bid to balance the books and support a global effort to become a more “resilient business.”
The attempts to save the brand were ramped up after merger talks with Honda fell through.
Earlier this year the firm announced 20,000 job losses, seven factory closures and a pause on all post-2026 new car development.
The closures of seven of its factories would see the brand limited to just 10 sites.
