Latest news with #NationalTyres
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Another blow as drivers' go-to garage with over 200 branches suddenly shuts site for good after string of closures
A LONG-RUNNING garage in the heart of a busy city centre has shut its doors for good — marking another blow for drivers across the country. The National Tyres and Autocare site on St Cross Road in Winchester closed permanently on June 5, after a review by owners Halfords. 3 3 3 It follows a wave of closures for the firm, which runs more than 200 sites across the UK. The garage had served locals for years, but staff have now been moved to the Halfords Autocentre at Martins Trading Park on Easton Lane — about a seven-minute drive away. A Halfords spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that our National Tyres and Autocare garage on St Cross Road has closed following a review of our estate in the area. 'We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby Halfords locations where possible. 'We'd like to thank our customers for their support and hope to welcome them at our Halfords Autocentre garage which is about a seven-minute drive away in Martins Trading Park on Easton Lane. 'Customers can also access Halfords Mobile Expert – our mobile service that delivers tyre fittings, battery replacements, and other essential services directly to their doorstep.' Halfords did not reveal what will happen to the now-empty site — but it's thought developers could pounce. A nearby Peugeot dealership was transformed into swanky new homes around a decade ago, and the land could now attract similar interest. The closure comes just months after National Tyres shut branches in Huddersfield, Exeter and C roydon, leaving regular customers scrambling to find alternative services. Earlier this year, drivers in Eastbourne were left stunned when their local Kwik Fit branch shut suddenly, with staff reportedly given just days' notice. Elsewhere, a historic MOT centre in Sheffield, open since the 1970s, closed for good in April after soaring rent and repair bills made it 'impossible to keep going'. And in January, motorists in Swansea were hit with a double whammy after both a Halfords garage and an independent tyre shop shut within weeks of each other. And over in Sheffield, a family-run garage that had served the community since the 1970s finally gave up in April after rent hikes and equipment costs became unmanageable. Owner Paul, 61, said: 'We did everything we could. But the bills just kept going up — and people don't come in like they used to.' Industry analysts warn the trend may continue, especially as EVs (electric vehicles) need less servicing, cutting demand for traditional repairs. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures. /
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Huge blow as drivers' go-to car repair garage abruptly shuts up shop after motoring retailer ‘reviews estate'
A GO-TO car repair garage has suddenly closed its doors in a devastating blow to motorists in the area. The abrupt closure comes after a " review of our estate" by the company. 1 National Tyres and Autocare, which is a Halfords company, has shut in Oxford on Abingdon Road. A spokesperson for Halfords said: "We can confirm that our National Tyres and Autocare garage on Abingdon Road has closed following a review of our estate in the area. "We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby Halfords locations where possible." The company also thanked its customers and pointed them towards the Halfords Autocentre in Oxford Trade Centre, Harrow Road, This is Oxfordshire has reported. They also have the option of Halfords Mobile Expert, which provides services at residents' doorsteps. It comes amid a series of stores closures along that same road in Oxford. Akiport Convenience Store, Akiport Cafe, and the Berkshire pub all shut last year due to traffic restrictions on the road, the Oxford Mail has reported. Gwyngrocers, also known as Top Tackle, closed its doors on Abingdon Road in January. Oxford City Councillor deputy leader and cabinet member for zero carbon Oxford Anna Railton told This is Oxfordshire: "I'm sorry to see a business in Abingdon Road close. "But I'm glad to see and support the two new nearby businesses and the emerging plans for a Chinese in the Berkshire. "There remain many great independent businesses on the road – but you do have to use them or lose them." The Abingdon Road garage closure comes after another branch site shut its doors last month. Like in Oxford, this came following what the company calls a "review of our estate".
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Huge blow as drivers' go-to garage with 200 branches to shut another site after motoring retailer ‘reviews estate'
A POPULAR garage with 200 branches will shut another one of its sites in a huge blow to drivers. National Tyres and Autocare in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has been a go-to for locals for years. 1 But the garage on Oxford Street will shut down following what the company calls a "review of our estate". National Tyres and Autocare is a national brand of fast fit specialists and is part of the Halfords chain. Halfords say they are supporting the staff affected by the closure and is offering them alternative roles at nearby locations. But it has not been confirmed how many jobs will be affected or whether the site will be closed on a permanent basis. A spokesman for Halfords told the Northants Telegraph: "We can confirm our National Tyres and Autocare garage on Oxford Street in Wellingborough will close following a review of our estate in the area. "We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby Halford locations where possible. "We'd like to thank our customers for their continued support and hope to welcome them at our Halfords Autocare garage on Turnells Mill Lane, Victoria Trade Park, which is just a six minute drive away. "Customers can also use Halfords Mobile Expert service for tyre fittings, battery replacements, and other essentials right at their doorstep." The Wellingborough garage has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating from 225 reviews on Google and was a trusted spot for locals. With many five-star reviews, customers cited the garage's "brilliant service" and praised their "super friendly and helpful team." Another added: "Great old fashion service that hardly exists these days". Halfords has more than 200 National Tyres and Autocare garages across the UK. They specialise in vehicle maintenance and repair, including tyres, exhausts, brakes, batteries, MOT testing, vehicle safety inspections and car servicing. But this isn't the only site they've been forced to close in recent weeks due to a "review" of their estate. The chain also announced the closure of its Broughty Ferry site in Dundee earlier this month for the same reason. The Broughty Ferry location is already up for sale or lease and surveyors believe the site to have potential for commercial use or redevelopment. Halfords is also set to close one of its main garages in Tweedmouth on June 5, with the company again citing a review of their estate as the reason. The news comes as the motoring industry faces wider challenges, such as the imminent closure of a huge car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles currently on sale, putting over 100 jobs at risk. The German online used car marketplace Heycar has suffered heavy losses since its launch in the UK in 2019, when it set out to rival Auto Trader and Motors. Now, its majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), has decided to pull the plug, leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France facing the risk of losing their jobs. A large proportion of Heycar's employees are based in the UK, and the company is expected to wind down its UK operations shortly after its closure in Germany, which was expected in mid-May. A VWFS spokesperson confirmed, 'We expect we will have to let go of a large portion of Heycar's employees.' Despite the closure, VWFS is planning to carry forward Heycar's innovations. In a statement, VWFS UK said: 'Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) UK is pleased to announce the launch of a new subsidiary that will integrate the technology and expertise developed by Heycar. 'Heycar has been a pioneer in the online used car marketplace and, despite the decision to wind down their operations, the valuable insights and digital solutions developed so far will play a crucial role in the future of VWFS UK, as we continue to explore new ways to drive growth and innovation in the automotive e-commerce space. 'We are anticipating that specialists and resources from Heycar will be joining the new subsidiary, ensuring we have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilise and develop the technology we're acquiring.' Volkswagen Financial Services was the company's largest shareholder, holding a 78 percent stake, followed by Volkswagen at 13 percent and Renault at 9 percent. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Much-loved car garage owned by Halfords announces it will close down in weeks after motoring retailer ‘reviews estate'
A POPULAR car garage owned by Halfords is set to close its doors in just a few weeks. National Tyres and Autocare in Broughty Ferry has been a familiar sight on the town's main road for years. 2 But now, the garage – part of the Halfords chain – will shut down following what the company calls a 'review of our estate.' Halfords says it is working to support the affected staff and is offering them alternative roles at other nearby locations where possible. While it's a tough blow for the local team, the company is aiming to soften the impact for workers. The garage has been a trusted spot for locals needing everything from tyre changes to car servicing. Its central location made it convenient for residents and those passing through Broughty Ferry. The building is already up for sale or lease, with Shepherd Chartered Surveyors marketing it at offers over £250,000 or a lease of £25,000 per year. They believe the site has potential for various commercial uses or redevelopment, though any major changes would need planning permission. A Halfords spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that our National Tyres and Autocare garage on Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, will close following a review of our estate in the area. We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues and are offering alternative roles at nearby Halfords locations where possible. Britain's retail apocalypse: why your favourite stores KEEP closing down 'We'd like to thank our customers for their continued support and hope to welcome them at our Halfords Autocentre garage on East Dock Street, just an eight-minute drive away. Customers can also use our Halfords Mobile Expert service for tyre fittings, battery replacements, and other essentials right at their doorstep.' For many locals, the closure feels like the end of an era. The garage has been part of the fabric of the community, offering reliable service for countless motorists over the years. Customers now have the option to visit the East Dock Street location or make use of Halfords' mobile service, which promises to deliver car care straight to customers' homes. The news comes as the motoring industry faces wider challenges, such as the imminent closure of a huge car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles currently on sale — putting over 100 jobs at risk. The German online used car marketplace Heycar has suffered heavy losses since its launch in the UK in 2019, when it set out to rival Auto Trader and Motors. Now, its majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), has decided to pull the plug, leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France facing the risk of losing their jobs. A large proportion of Heycar's employees are based in the UK, and the company is expected to wind down its UK operations shortly after its closure in Germany, which is expected in mid-May. A VWFS spokesperson confirmed, 'We expect we will have to let go of a large portion of Heycar's employees.' Despite the closure, VWFS is planning to carry forward Heycar's innovations. In a statement, VWFS UK said: 'Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) UK is pleased to announce the launch of a new subsidiary that will integrate the technology and expertise developed by Heycar. 'Heycar has been a pioneer in the online used car marketplace and, despite the decision to wind down their operations, the valuable insights and digital solutions developed so far will play a crucial role in the future of VWFS UK, as we continue to explore new ways to drive growth and innovation in the automotive e-commerce space. 'We are anticipating that specialists and resources from Heycar will be joining the new subsidiary, ensuring we have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilise and develop the technology we're acquiring.' Volkswagen Financial Services was the company's largest shareholder, holding a 78 percent stake, followed by Volkswagen at 13 percent and Renault at 9 percent. Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures. 2
