A well-known car dealership in Queensland has shut its gates. Ipswich Central Motors, which primarily sold Kia and Great Wall new and used cars, decided to call it quits last Thursday.
The Brisbane St dealer of Great Wall and Kia – as well as used cars – was almost completely liberated of its stock by Friday morning.
Owner John Grant confirmed to the Queensland Times that he was selling the business.
Grant’s Avis car rental business at the top of town and the service department of Central Motors will remain open for the time being.
The Queensland Times understands that Salters Jeep will buy the business from Grant.
Grant started Central Motors with long-time associate Dave McCoy at the former Denmac Ford site in Ipswich in 2007. He had just refurbished the old building before the 2011 floods hit, forcing him to clean up the mud and start again.
As well as the new car dealership, Grant operated a small used car yard on Brisbane St, which has also has closed down. There was no confirmation as to whether Central Motors’ staff of 22 will lose their jobs or be employed under the new owner.
Grant has been somewhat media shy since he was involved in the so-called “ute gate” affair with then-prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2009. The email which sparked the controversy was later confirmed as a forgery by former treasury official Godwin Grech.
Mayor Paul Pisasale and deputy mayor Victor Attwood paid tribute to Grant and his contributions to the community over the years.
“John has been one of the most valuable corporate citizens; he’s been there to offer his support when it has been needed. The 2011 floods hit him hard and he never really recovered – even though he worked tirelessly. The bad news is that he has decided to sell, the good news is that he is staying in town with his other business,” Pisasale says.
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