Seat UK was this week “in negotation” with its Bristol dealership Eastgate Seat, whose future has been at the centre of speculation among rival dealers in the city.

A Seat spokeswoman says: “We are not in a position to discuss any details about the negotiations, but we hope the matter will be resolved soon.”

Richard Vandenbrook, managing director of Eastgate Seat, says: “We are not in administration or receivership, and that is as much as I am prepared to say.”

Asked whether he was surprised to hear about speculation regarding his business, Vandenbrook says: “Nothing surprises me.”