A HONDA dealership with three showrooms has gone into liquidation with the loss of 85 jobs.

The Amethyst Motor Company has dealerships in Chippenham, Gloucester and Cheltenham and used to sell more than 500 Hondas a year, along with Seat, the Spanish VW motor company.

Honda has now said that anyone who might have had paid a deposit for a new vehicle would still get it as soon as the red tape had been sorted.

“Following the closure of Amethyst, administrators Deloitte, together with Honda, are working urgently to ensure business continuity for customers,” said Paul Ormond, the head of corporate press and PR for Honda UK.

“It is a difficult time for the industry at the moment.

“But we will be making sure that our customers are not let down. It’s important that they get in touch with the customer service line and give them their details.”

Robin Allen and Dominic Wong, of Deloitte, have been appointed as joint administrators to Amethyst, whose turnover last year was £32m.

The company ceased trading last week and all employees were made redundant.

The administrators are seeking to find an interested party to acquire the leasehold properties and continue the business.

Robin Allen said: “Amethyst Motor Company Limited has suffered severe financial difficulties as a result of the decline in the motor sales industry in the UK in recent months and the tightening of credit.

“We are seeking interested parties to acquire the properties and are working closely with Honda, who are in discussion with other franchisees with a view to taking over the operation.”

Customers with queries about their purchases and service agreements should contact Honda customer service on 01753 590391 or Seat on 0500 222222.