BRITAIN’S most popular car brand will shut a beloved dealership in just days.
Staff were said to be in “total shock” after they were told that they could be out of work as a result of the closure.
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Volkswagen in Horsham, West Sussex, is closing for good at the end of the month.
The brand blames the closure on changes to the car industry and customer needs.
However, staff said this is new news to them.
An insider told Car Dealer: “No one knew anything about it, not even the managers, so it did come as a total shock.”
“There’s not been any offers made for people to stay on with Marshalls elsewhere but we have been told that a consultation period is going on.
“The hardest bit for me is moving on from all the staff. I love it here, it’s a great bunch and now we’re all just expected to disperse,” they added.
A spokesperson told Sussex World: “Volkswagen, along with the whole motor industry, is moving through a period of unprecedented change, prompted by new technologies and changing customer expectations.
“The necessary evolution of the Volkswagen Group UK retailer network, to ensure that we have appropriate representation to meet our customers’ future needs, is a process that has been under way for a couple of years already and will continue into the future.
“We can confirm in this case that Marshall Motor Group’s site in Horsham will be closing from the end of this month.
“Marshall Motor Group is writing to its customers to advise them of alternative sales, service and parts facilities.
“Due to legal requirements and confidentiality agreements, we cannot provide further details.”
Meanwhile a local Facebook page revealed the news to social media last week.
The post read: “We are sad to learn that Volkswagen Horsham is closing.
“Good luck to all the staff.”
Hundreds of comments flooded in.
One person said: “Oh no, I bought a car from them a few months ago, please don’t tell me I’ve got to travel further for a service.
“Really nice team there, was really impressed. Sad times.”
To which one person replied: “I agree. I had brilliant service and attention from Laura (sales)and the manager.
“Receptionist was helpful as well.”
Meanwhile another person commented: “Good luck to the staff and thanks for your service over the years.”
Followed by a second: “Sad to see this, I worked there when it first opened under Lockyer for three years and now drive past every day – good luck to the staff.”
Then a third said: “That’s a bit sad. Bought a new Golf there 13 years ago, had yearly service and mot with them, and the car is still with us with no issues.”
Volkswagen’s branch in Aylesbury is also expected to close at the end of the month.
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