Another UK car dealership is set to close in a matter of weeks, with staff told to look for new jobs. A BMW and Mini car dealer located in Devon is scheduled to close in March, in another serious dent to the automotive sector.
Ocean Torbay confirmed the business will shut its doors on March 6, 2026, with difficult trading conditions and rising operational costs blamed foe the closure. Rising fees are understood to have made the business financially unviable, which had led to the decision to close the dealership.
Head of Business Gareth Watton, admitted staff would be "looking for new roles” in a serious blow to local workers. Gareth posted on LinkedIn: “Sadly the news that is travelling very fast is true, and Ocean Torbay will be closing in the next few months.
"Obviously a very difficult time for every member of my team and I am absolutely gutted. I built a great team of people and to see that break up in the coming weeks will be hard. For now, that leaves me and all of my team looking for new roles in the coming weeks.”
Ocean Torbay claims to “feature all the latest new BMW cars” as well as a large selection of high-quality Approved Used vehicles. Meanwhile, Ocean Torbay says all of their models are sold “at competitive prices”, with all vehicles said to be “affordable”.
As well as selling vehicles, the business operates an MOT centre in Kingskerswell and a trading site on Totnes Road which is also expected to close its doors on 6 March.
It’s not the only car dealership affected, with Vertu Motors confirming the closure of five locations across the UK.
The brand has closed down its Honda Bradford and Citroen Macclesfield dealerships earlier this year, with sites at Launceston Peugeot, Barnstaple Peugeot and Barnstaple Volvo since closed.
Meanwhile, Targa Florio Car, which specialised in the sale of luxury high-end supercars near Chichester, shut down at the end of December.
Express.co.uk has contacted Ocean Torbay for comment.