(Reuters) - British auto retailer Pendragon Plc (L:PDG) said on Thursday it would slash 1,800 jobs and close 15 loss-making stores, as the coronavirus crisis continues to hammer demand for cars.
"The impact of Covid-19 has accelerated a review of the Group's future operating model... the Board has taken the decision to introduce a more efficient operating model with fewer stores and leaner support functions," the company said.
The planned changes, which follow a review that was commenced before the pandemic, will cut annual costs by about 35 million pounds ($45.47 million), Pendragon said.
The company's move comes after rival Lookers (L:LOOK) set out plans last month to lay off 1,500 employees and shut 12 more sites.
British car production fell by more than an annual 40% in the first half of the year to its lowest level since 1954, according to an industry body.