Drive City Cars, an independent secondhand car dealership based in Manchester, has plunged into liquidation, marking another significant setback for the UK motoring industry. The company, which had been operating since 2019, appointed liquidators on June 11, with a notice published in the London Gazette on June 17.
Details of the Liquidation
The Resolution for Winding-up order, issued on the same day, confirmed that the company was being wound up voluntarily. According to Companies House, the business is undergoing a creditors' voluntary liquidation, a process initiated by the company's director. Tauseef Rashid of Qimzen Advisory has been appointed as the liquidator.
Drive City Cars, located on John Street in Hyde, Greater Manchester, specialised in selling "quality, pristine" vehicles. The dealership offered a wide range of cars, from family hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Ampera to sportier models such as the BMW 1 Series. It also advertised convertibles like the BMW 6 Series and SUVs like the Dacia Duster, and even dabbled in motorcycles, previously listing a BMW M1000RR Carbon.
Impact on Staff and Operations
At this early stage, there is no information on how staff will be affected. The company was first incorporated in June 2019, meaning it would have just celebrated its seventh anniversary before entering liquidation.
Broader Industry Struggles
Drive City Cars is not the only motoring brand to face difficulties this summer. The Car Sales Factory Limited, a used-car dealership based in Lancashire, appointed liquidators in early June. Dub Custom Cars Limited, a vehicle customisation and repair company based in Essex, appointed liquidators on June 30. The firm had established itself as a leading vehicle customiser in the country, focusing on vinyl wrap applications. Additionally, KleanDrive Ltd, an electric car conversion company based in Essex, entered administration in May.
The series of insolvencies highlights ongoing challenges in the UK automotive sector, with independent dealers and specialists facing increased financial pressures.
