Falling sales cost dealer 30 million

Pendragon, the UKs largest car dealer group, will close 75 dealerships and make 2500 people redundant after announcing that it expects to make a loss of 30 million this year.

The group has reported a 12% drop in car sales over the previous year, with registrations falling by 21.4% in the past three months.

The 2500 job cuts that Pendragon expect to make represent around 20% of its workforce.

The company is now implementing cost-cutting initiatives in order to save 60 million. It is also selling off some of its assets, including Pinewood, its dealer and manufacturer-related software subsidiary, for an estimated 60 million.

Pendragons share price dropped to 6p a share following the announcement, compared with 60p at the start of the year.