A RENOWNED car dealership has announced it will close in just two days in a huge blow to customers.
Allen Ford in Rugby will permanently close its sales and service operations on January 31.
The Allen Ford car dealership has been in business for 30 years and will finally be closing its doors[/caption]
The announcement has sparked confusion, as it remains unclear whether this closure is linked to Ford’s wider plans to axe 50 dealerships across the UK by 2025.
A spokesperson for Allen Ford Rugby said: “Effective from 31st January, our Ford Sales and Service operation at Rugby will close permanently.
“Communications in the form of letters and emails have been sent to as many customers as possible to inform them.”
The closure comes as a blow to the local community, with the dealership being a landmark business in the area.
Staff at the site were unable to comment on potential job losses, leaving many employees uncertain about their futures.
As part of Ford’s long-term strategy to enhance profitability, the company is prioritising larger, more profitable sites while gradually phasing out smaller operations
Just over four years ago, the company announced its intention to cut its 395 sales outlets in half, aiming to reduce the number to around 210 by 2025.
A Ford spokesperson said: “We have been actively restructuring the dealer network over the past several years to better align with the evolving needs of our business and deliver enhanced service.
“It is also worth noting that all but three of the dealerships impacted have retained their Ford Authorisation section, so they are still operating just without a retail arm.”
While the Rugby site will no longer operate as a sales and service hub, it is unclear if it will retain any Ford-related services.
