HR Owen is ending its short-lived relationship with Alfa Romeo.

This morning it announced its single Alfa Romeo business is loss-making and will close at the end of the month.

The luxury car dealer group had taken on the Italian brand for London in 2006.

The partnership surprised motor industry observers as it came in a period when HR Owen was streamlining its business, disposing of premium franchises such as BMW, Land Rover and Volvo in order to concentrate on its supercar and luxury car businesses.

Then chief executive Nick Lancaster said at the time he hoped to use HR Owen's expertise in the market to capitalise on Alfa's new models.