Lincolnshire MG Rover retailer Wrights Motor Group is to close in the New Year.

The business, part of Lincolnshire Co-operative Society, is closing its dealerships in Boston and Sleaford while its Lincoln outlet, which also sells Tata, is for sale.

Wrights blames poor profits for the decision. “Rover’s transition from volume to niche means we can no longer afford to keep the network going,” says Ursula Lidbetter, the society’s chief executive. At least 40 jobs will be lost.

MG Rover, which has alreadybought nine dealerships to protect its network, is helping Wrights seek a buyer but would not say if it will purchase the sites itself.

  • MG Rover UK franchising manager John Jarvie and director of franchising Guy Pigounakis have moved to other posts. Replacements have not yet been appointed.