Nissan accused of 'cloak and dagger' tactics to axe over 20 car dealerships

Nissan has been accused of attempting to carry out a “cloak and dagger” restructure of its franchised car retail network which will axe some of its longest serving and top-performing franchised car dealers.

The OEM broke its silence on its 'Ideal Network Plan' last night (July 7) after terminating a number of high-performing retailers with no formal announcement, consultation or public announcement prior to enquiries made by AM earlier this week, with those already part of the cull told not to discuss the plan.

Franchisees impacted by the cuts, which will reduce the network from around 166 sites to 140, told AM they have been issued two-year termination notices with little or no direct contact with representatives from the OEM, adding that they have been left feeling “cast aside” by a brand partner more concerned with avoiding bad publicity than damaging businesses.