Whitehouse has severed its links with Honda after selling its sole dealership with the franchise at Bexleyheath, Kent, to Dutton-Forshaw for an undisclosed sum. This follows the loss of the Volkswagen franchise in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and the disposal of an Audi centre in Aylesford, Kent.

Patrick Conway, Whitehouse chief executive, says: “We had discussions with Honda to find out whether there was a way we could identify a market area with them, but there wasn’t.

“Our policy is to create larger retail areas with fewer manufacturers and this approach assists them as well. This can create problems for both sides in the short term but it makes sense in the long run. Our main partners are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, ChryslerJeep and Renault but we will not confine ourselves to them. We believe that MG Rover is an up and coming franchise and we are developing a parts business with them.”