North of England dealer group Hatfields has quashed rumours that it is in difficulty, following claims that it was closing some sites.

Claims that it had closed five dealerships, and that it was ditching its Hyundai franchise, were refuted. The company’s Hyundai outlets in Manchester and Oldham have been closed, however.

A spokesman for Hatfields told AM: “All dealer groups go through changes in representation. It is quite normal for businesses to take commercial decisions about where to invest and with which franchises.  

“As a relatively small group, Hatfields accepts that changes and readjustments such as those the group has been through could seem to outside observers to be big news or disproportionate. In fact the group is doing well, having grown steadily over the last 10 years.

“The company remains positive about the Hyundai brand, and is successfully operating the franchise in Stockport and York,” said the spokesman.

Hatfields’ managing director, Gareth Williams, continues as chairman of the Hyundai dealer council.

“In the last year or so, Hatfields has taken on new businesses in Shrewsbury and Worcester, and relocated its Cheshire Mercedes-Benz authorised repairer to purpose-built premises,” added the spokesman.

“The group continues to seek fresh opportunities and remains as financially strong as ever.”