JCT600 to shut JLR dealership in March following carmaker review

JCT600 is to close its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) businesses in Doncaster at the end of March.

The move follows a strategic review of the JLR network in the UK carried out by Jaguar Land Rover

Having represented JLR in the city since 2018, the management of JCT600 expressed “profound disappointment” in the marque’s decision to close the Land Rover Doncaster and Jaguar Service Doncaster businesses.

The business currently employs about 40 people and JCT600 is working find alternative employment for as many of the team as possible within the group’s 50-plus dealerships throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and the North East.

Executive chairman John Tordoff said: “Naturally, we are extremely disappointed with JLR’s decision to close our business in Doncaster which, following our purchase in 2018, we have worked hard to turn into a successful operation.”

In a statement to Motor Trader Patrick McGillycuddy, managing director, JLR (UK) said: “We are in the process of refining our UK retail operations as part of our Reimagine strategy.

“Under Reimagine, JLR will transition to a sustainable, modern luxury business for the most discerning clients.

“As such, our UK retail network will be rationalised to ensure we have the right partners in the right locations and in the case of JCT600, we have elected not to renew our contract beyond November 2024.

“JCT600 has requested to leave the brand ahead of its contracted term and JLR has agreed to support this request.

“We are committed to supporting our clients in Doncaster with alternative local services to ensure their service and maintenance needs are met without disruption.”

JCT is expanding in Doncaster. In late 2023, it acquired a seven-acre site on Wheatley Hall Road and will relocate its Audi Doncaster business to the site in 2025.

It has also recently approved plans to redevelop its Mercedes-Benz Doncaster and JCT600 Approved Used Centre on the same road.

Tordoff continued: “We are fully committed to the city of Doncaster and are excited with our ongoing investment plans which will all come together in the next two years.”