Rishton motors firm ditching Bentley franchise

11:19am Saturday 8th November 2008

Comments (3)   Have your say »

BOSSES of a Bentley garage have relinquished its franchise with the luxury car maker - claiming people want more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.

And the Rishton firm has also mothballed plans to open a new showroom due to fears over the impact of the credit crunch.

Ribble Valley Motors, Harwood Road, Rishton - formerly Ribble Valley Bentley - was due to move to a purpose built at South Rings trading site, Preston, but plans have been put on hold until the economy recovers from its current slump.

Company bosses have also relinquished their franchise with car maker Bentley and will focus on selling a wider range of less expensive cars from the Rishton site.

Paul Piert, managing director of Ribble Valley Motors, said: “We want to develop the business to give it a far broader appeal.

“Many consumers are looking for cars that are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, something the luxury market does not always cater for.

“Our Rishton base will remain a traditional car retailing outlet and we will continue to stock nearly new and used Bentleys but we will also offer far greater choice.”

At the start of the year the company unveiled plans for a temporary switch to New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall, but planning application was refused.

The consolidation of the Rishton dealership will be accompanied with the development of a new website - www.ukcarzone.co.uk - which bosses hope will give them an additional outlet.

Mr Piert added: “These developments reflect the changing world we live in. Customers’ tastes are changing and there is far greater emphasis on fuel economy and environmentally friendly motoring.

“This restructuring will allow us to cater for that new business.