Ripon car dealership to close after Fiat restructure

A Ripon car dealership is set to close its doors at the end of the month after the manufacturer decided to pull out of the city.

Piccadilly Motors will close its branch in Dallamires Lane on Friday, April 28 after receiving notice that Fiat was ending its franchise agreement.

Customers have been invited to use the company’s sister site on Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, which will continue to trade as a Kia dealership as well as offering serving for Fiat, Abarth and Alfa cars.

The Knaresborough branch is less than 10 miles away from Ripon, and the Piccadilly team said it has introduced extra support for customers travelling from the Ripon area, including more courtesy cars.

Managing director Simon Watts told the Stray Ferret:

“We have managed this carefully and because of the growth of the business we have in Knaresborough, most customers have already migrated to the Kia product and we’re also doing Fiat for servicing at Knaresborough, as well as MOTs.

“It’s the same with staff. We’ve really handled that in the most sympathetic manner we could. Fortunately, only one person will lose their job, who doesn’t want to travel, but they’ve managed to get another job elsewhere.

“It has been an absolute priority for us to handle it in the most customer- and colleague-friendly manner.”

Mr Watts said the company had looked to find another manufacturer to bring to its Ripon branch, but in a challenging market it had not been possible.

Demand for used cars is high in the UK, leading to low supply for dealerships. The looming prospect of changing legislation over sales of petrol and diesel cars is also having an impact, as manufacturers work to deliver more electric vehicles in time for the 2030 cut-off.

Fiat has only been selling the 500 model, Mr Watts said, and the low volume of sales had led it to restructure its network. He added:

“It’s disappointing, but thankfully we’ve got a business in close proximity that can carry on providing a service.”

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Late night hit and run in Harrogate district

Police are appealing for information about a hit and run collision in the Harrogate district.

According to North Yorkshire Police, a blue Kia car with an 06 registration collided with a parked car on Millfield Street at Pateley Bridge.

It happened at about 2.20am on Good Friday.

A police statement said:

“The driver of the Kia did not stop and drove to the end of Millfield End before driving away, back up Millfield Street, about five minutes later.

“Both the parked car and the Kia were damaged.

“Witnesses also noticed a burning smell coming from the Kia.”

Anybody with information can email bill.hickson@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Quote reference number 12230061510.

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