1:29 pm, March 5, 2025
Isle of Man car dealership Mylchreests Group has announced its closing nearly 65 years after first opening its doors, with managing director James Mylchreest adding that they anticipate more dealerships around the UK will close as the industry changes.
The independent franchise dealer on New Castletown Road in Douglas represents Land Rover, Subaru, Vauxhall and Isuzu but announced on Facebook that sales and servicing will cease on April 17, 2025.
Managing Director, James Mylchreest, told Isle of Man Today: ‘The retail motor industry has changed hugely over the past decade, during which time we have witnessed the closure or streamlining of a number of smaller independent garages and family-run businesses throughout the Island and the UK.
‘This is a trend that we anticipate will continue for some time and one which makes a small, franchised operation such as ours increasingly challenging. As a result, we have taken a realistic long-term view and plan to readapt accordingly.’
Mylchreests opened in 1961 specialising in British Motor Corporation vehicles, such as Austin, Morris, Riley, MG and Wolseley, and it previously held a Rolls Royce and Bentley franchise.
Group chairman David Mylchreest commented: ‘As we edge closer to the beginning of our 65th year serving the Manx public, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of our sales, servicing and parts operation.
‘This is a decision we are making with extreme reluctance and one that is tinged with great sadness given the loyalty of staff and customers on the Island over generations.’
James added: ‘Naturally our current priority is to support our colleagues in the best way we can and ensure our valued customers receive any assistance they may require.
‘In the meantime, we would like to express our gratitude for the loyal support of our staff, suppliers and customers, and would like to sincerely thank the wider Isle of Man community for their friendship over more than 60 years.
‘It has been a genuine privilege to be such a major part of the island’s motoring heritage for so long.’
Picture credit: Mylchreests Group/Facebook
