The Hertfordshire-based Waters Group has closed two of its four Peugeot sites in Hertford and Stevenage.

It continues to represent the French carmaker in Hatfield and Lea Valley, Chingford.

A Peugeot spokesman said the closures were predominantly based on parent MCL’s decision to reduce its motor trade involvement rather than as a result of the market
conditions.

However, he did admit that market conditions had played a part.

Darren Payne, Waters Group managing director, was on holiday when AM tried to contact him.

However, back in 2002 his stated intention was to build a top 50 retail group.

It is unclear how many redundancies have resulted from the closures.

MCL Group is the former Mazda and Kia distributor. It is part of the Japanese Itochu Corporation which owns Stapleton Tyres and also has three car supermarket sites, branded Autoplanet, in London, Southampton and Maidstone. 

Six years ago, Autoplanet traded from five sites.

Waters Group also represents Renault at Hatfield and Letchworth and Mazda at Lea Valley.

Peugeot’s spokesman added that its business managers regularly visit dealers to provide support for struggling sites.

He said the manufacturer places much importance on dealers’ ability to sustain the brand.

“If a business closes, it takes a lot longer to re-establish Peugeot’s business in that location,” he said.