A CUSTOMER has told of his shock at finding out his car, which went in for a service at a Basingstoke garage, ended up in Aldershot.

The move followed the car dealership entering administration.

Ron Rose, from Kempshott, put his car in for repairs in City Peugeot, part of City Motor Holdings (CMH), on September 13 – the same day trading ceased at the car dealership at the Houndmills Estate site, off Aldermaston Road South.

Although he was given a courtesy car to get around, the 72-year-old believed his car’s brakes were being repaired on site but was shocked to receive a phone call from a Peugeot branch in Aldershot.

Mr Rose said. “It would have been nice to know exactly where my car was, but over the last two weeks I have heard nothing – so I was surprised when told it was in Aldershot.

“I put my car in for a service about two weeks ago, but for two weeks I had no information from the company – just their company car.”

He added: “Now I’ve been told I have to give the courtesy car back and wait for another one. I’m getting a collection of cars, it’s just a shame it’s not my one.”

Mr Rose is just one of many customers who contacted The Gazette following news that 267 people had lost their jobs at CMH.

Thirteen dealerships in Basingstoke - including Gowrings Ford - Reading and Newbury confirmed they had entered administration.

Steve Absolom and Will Wright, from KPMG Restructuring, have been appointed joint administrators. 

Mr Absolom last week blamed the number of nearly-new and used cars coming to the market “putting pressure” on motor dealerships around the country.

He added: “We are working with the car manufacturers to help them make contact with customers who have recently paid deposits on new vehicles. 

“For customers with other enquiries, contact our dedicated email address at citymotors@kpmg.co.uk.”

“Although we have received a high volume of queries since our appointment as joint administrators, we are endeavouring to respond to people as quickly as we can.”