Former Audi dealer Cis threatening to take the prestige manufacturer to court over practices which its solicitors believe may breach competition laws.

The Carlisle-based dealer is still an Audi authorized repairer. It claims that Audi’s refusal to allow it into its closed auctions (AM January 27) is preventing it from buying courtesy cars needed to fulfil its approved repairer franchise standards.

Last week, two Harper and Hebson buyers tried to enter an Audi auction at BCA Birmingham, but were ordered to leave. In January, Audi UK withdrew its stock from a closed auction at BCA in Manchester when solicitors insisted on H&H being allowed to bid.

Owner Ken Harper says he has been contacted by several ex-Audi dealers in similar situations. He adds: “This dispute is about a manufacturer and the lengths it will go to discourage competition in its designated market territories.”

Audi was unavailable for comment.