Dews Motor Group has reportedly gone into liquidiation, after 106 years in business.

A spokesperson for the company told the Brighouse Echo: “It is with a heavy heart that the decision has been taken by the directors to close the Dews business - effective as of Friday, March 11.

“After 106 years of serving the motorists of Calderdale, this was a very difficult decision to make. However as the motor industry continues to evolve, smaller firms such as Dews continue to struggle to remain competitive. As a result the directors have decided to close the business.

“The last 106 years would not have been possible without the drive, effort and energy of our staff and customers over the years - and for that we share our thanks.

“We wish our current staff and customers all the very best for the future, and thank you in advance for your understanding.”

Dews was founded in 1910 by Ernest Dew.

It had held the Mitsubishi, Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo and Vauxhall new car sales franchises in recent years. The group had a single site in Halifax and also operated an accident repair centre.

Dews was family owned. It had held the Vauxhall franchise since 1928.

David Hamer, grandson of founder Ernest Dew, was group chairman and managing director. He and son Craig, director of marketing and strategy, headed a management buyout in January 2008 when they acquired control of the business from David Hamer’s mother and other family shareholders.

In the last submitted accounts (2013), Dews reported a loss of £57,000 and a return on sale of -0.19% on turnover of £30,487,000.