THE bold acquisition 16 months ago of three car franchises in Broome has come to an abrupt end as the operator this week closed the dealership’s doors.

The Perth-based car rental company, Pilbara Car and Truck Rental, bought the Kia, Mitsubishi and Ford franchises from the Regent Motor Group in February 2016.

But after citing poor sales and the high cost of operating from a predominantly tourist town that virtually shuts down for three months of the year, the new owner has called it quits.

Pilbara Car and Truck Rental (PCTR), owned by Perth businessman Brian Brennan, closed its premises after failing to find a buyer. It is now seeking service facilities and parts outlets to take care of its customers.

PCTR last year made its entry into the retail auto sector when it bought the three car franchises in Broome from automotive company Regent Motor Group.

Regent had sold four of its franchises at two locations in Broome as part of a re-assessment of its dealership portfolio, with the Nissan franchise being taken by another Broome group, Pilbara Motor Group, that also has the town’s Toyota, Holden and Hyundai dealerships.

PCTR has a rental car, truck and bus fleet of more than 1000 vehicles and operates in key Western Australian centres.

Regent Motor Group principal, Tyson Sutton, told GoAutoNews Premium last year that he sold the Broome assets because they were too small and too remote to operate effectively.

The Regent Motor Group operates 14 franchises and 21 showrooms in WA and the Northern Territory, including Darwin-based Audi, Porsche and Subaru franchises.

By Neil Dowling