Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Fiat and Jeep retailer Simonstone Motors has ceased trading just five days before Christmas, with reports suggesting a resulting loss of up to 80 jobs.

The Bristol-based FCA Group franchisee closed its Hyundai franchise in Weston-super-Mare on November 1 but Bristol Live reported that staff were unaware of the impending closure of its multi-brand car dealership on Bath Road, Brislington, on Friday (December 20).

AM attempted to contact the retailer today (December 23) but there was no response from the business and no notice on its website to confirm the closure or advise customers.

However, Bristol Live reported that “a steady stream of car transporters arrived to pick up cars for sale and take them away” on Friday.

The publication claimed that around 80 staff had lost their jobs and dozens of customers had been left waiting to see if they have lost their deposits as a result of the closure.

Simonstone Motors’ latest annual financial results, for the period to December 31, 2018, show that the group increased its revenues by over £1 million, to £17.4 million, last year.

Profit before tax for the period increased by 44.3% but stood at just £30,676 for the same period.

The group’s financial statement for the period, published on Companies House, said that the results and the group’s financial position for the period were “considered satisfactory by the directors who, given the year of consolidation, anticipate increased growth in the foreseeable future.”

AM contacted the FCA Group for comment and is currently awaiting a response.