A HISTORIC Launceston vehicle dealership has announced its closure.

In the 1970’s, Truscott’s of Launceston established themselves as the premier location to buy a car in North Cornwall. Located on land that once held Launceston’s Southern Railway Station, the business has been a staple of the community every since, despite undergoing a number of management changes, from Chrysler to Peugeot.

However, more than 50 years on, the site’s current owners, Vertu Motors plc has confirmed that the showroom will be closing with immediate effect.

Vertu Motors plc was formed in late 2006 to acquire and consolidate UK motor retail businesses.

Since 2022, the organisation has been at the helm of the historic Launceston showroom following its acquisition - alongside 27 other franchised sales outlets - from Helston Garages Group Limited.

At the time of the acquisition, Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “We were delighted to bring these Peugeot dealerships under the Bristol Street Motors name, as the rebrand is key to their integration within our group.

“Customers will benefit from being part of the UK's fourth largest automotive retailer, while the exceptional customer service they are used to will continue, as will the excellent teams within each Bristol Street Motors Peugeot dealership.”

However, on Friday (February 6), the dealership closed its doors following a recent brand review carried out by its owners.

Vertu Motors plc has cited the Peugeot dealership’s ‘financial viability’ as the root cause for the closure.

A spokesperson for Vertu Motors plc told the Post: “We have made the difficult decision to close the dealership following a considered review of the financial viability of the site.”

Vertu has also expressed that it has supported staff and ‘where possible’ found alternative jobs within the organisation.

The spokesperson continued: “We have supported colleagues through the consultation period, and where possible found them alternative roles within the group.”