Ford Retail has sold three of its Polar Ford sites in Yorkshire to Stoneacre Motor Group for an undisclosed sum.

The dealerships in Scarborough, York and Thirsk and all staff will transfer to Stoneacre on August 1. Stoneacre's acquisition takes Ford Retail's network down to 47. Ford Retail also has 17 other sites which include its aftersales, bodyshop, parts and head office operations.

Staff were informed of the changes last week and a spokeswoman for Ford Retail told AM there are no current plans for the retail group to downsize further.

Chris Hayden, chairman and chief executive of Ford Retail, said: “Over recent weeks, Ford Retail has been in discussion with Stoneacre Motor Group regarding their potential acquisition of the Polar Ford dealerships.

 “The approach from Stoneacre coincided with an ongoing review of the Ford Retail businesses which concluded that the York, Scarborough and Thirsk dealerships did not fit with our strategic criteria. Consequently, we decided to take advantage of Stoneacre's offer.”

Stoneacre is a privately-owned dealer group operating 20 franchised dealerships in the north of England. It recently acquired a Ford dealership in Goole and is keen to further expand its involvement with the Ford franchise through its acquisition.

Polar Ford, as part of the Ford Retail Group, will continue to serve the Yorkshire region with dealerships in Bradford, Barnsley, Wakefield, Castleford and Huddersfield.

The brand also operates in the North West with dealerships in Warrington, Runcorn, St Helens, Wilmslow, Hazel Grove and Stockport.