110-year-old Plymouth car dealership sold to rivals for undisclosed sum
CAR dealership Mumfords of Plymouth was today sold to city rival Vospers for an undisclosed sum.
Mumfords’ business, including its Plympton showroom, other assets and staff, were transferred when a deal was completed at 10.30am.
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Mumfords director William Mumford said staff and customers should see a “seamless transfer”.
He said the sale took place after Vospers secured the Renault franchise for Plymouth and Torbay.
Mumfords sold new and used cars, operating a Renault franchise since 1983 and a Nissan franchise since 2001.
Mr Mumford said Vospers acquisition of the Renault franchise “made our position untenable”.
He said: “I can confirm that Vospers has bought the assets and business of Western Garage Plymouth, which is in effect Mumfords, and will be trading with immediate effect.
“Apart from myself there is no loss of jobs.
“We had an opportunity to sell the business,” he added. “We could protect our staff and make it seamless for the customers.”
The sale means the Mumfords family, which owned the company, is no longer in control of the firm for effectively the first time in its 110 year history.
Mr Mumford, who has been involved with the business for 20 years, said: “I’m very pleased it’s gone to another Plymouth firm, and a family firm as well.”
He said he was considering his own future and added: “I’m going to have a few days off and then will see.”
10 Comments
by car owner, Plymouth
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 7:57PM
“@ me plymouth. Yes the person who checked my car is indeed a qualified mechanic who I trust a whole lot more that the staff at Mumfords. My car in question isn't very old and definately didn't need the work done on it that Mumfords tried to con me into. Two years on, 2 MOTs and 2 full services and everything is running just fine!”
by Teresa, Plymouth
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 12:08AM
“Well i am on my second car from Mumfords and i have always had excellent service from the staff which unfortunately could not be the same about the Vospers service when my car had to go in for repairs following another car hitting me. Went in with a small dent in the side, came out with NO lights working!!!
Next car will be a Hyundai then!
Thank you Mumfords staff, I hope Mr Vosper sees fit to look after you all.”
by Sezzle, Plymouth
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 9:23PM
“Makes you wonder what happened to LOYALTY....Mumfords been the local Renault dealer since 1983 and now been given to Vospers which made Mumfords have to see, big dealers cannot survive without main franchises. Good luck to the Mumford family.”
by me, plymouth
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 7:46PM
“Sorry car owner even I "a mere female" know that a cambelt should be changed after a certain mileage or length of time depending on vehicle.Is the person who checked it going to guarantee that it will not go and will they pay for a new engine for you ?”
by Car Owner, Plymouth
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 6:52PM
“Glad Mumfords has been sold, fingers crossed they will change some of their staff after the incredible service I received including telling me that satelites and radiowaves made my keyfob stop working! And cold calling telling me to book in to have my cam belt replaced. When I had it checked by someone else there was nothing wrong with it, just an excuse to get more money out of customers for no real reason!”
by Dan, @work
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 2:07PM
“so vospers are now plymouth main dealers for:
ford
fiat
mazda
alfa
peugeot
renault
nissan
a bit of a monopoly isnt it?”
by Jenny, Plymouth
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 1:23PM
“What about the staff? let us hope all their jobs really our secure, we heard those promises with City Bus and others then they after a few months start making people redundant, the Staff must be worried sick. Loyalty of workers seems to mean nothing these days sadly! Promises seem to be broken at the drop of a hat. It is the lovely staff I feel sorry for. Mr Mumford I am sure did very nicely out of the sale, they always do.”
by Smiler, Plymouth
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 12:57PM
“Sorry to hear Mumfords will no longer be operating, a very respected family within the motor trade which is quite unusual these days. Good luck to Vospers I hope they are able to continue the excellent service Mumfords have given their customers over the years.”
by johnno, pennycomequick
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 12:45PM
“I have bought a few cars from Vospers , used and new , and always have received good service from them .
They do not sell cheap cars but sell good cars”
by PL7 Mafia, P-Town
Tuesday, November 02 2010, 12:35PM
“Sad to hear this. Vospers are taking over!! Soon there will be no choice but to buy a car from PV!!!!
What's happening with Nissan?”