Car removed from Hoffman Ford as 105-year-old Pahiatua dealership closes

Vehicles are taken away from the Hoffman Ford car dealership. Photo / Supplied.

Ford fanatics in a small town in Tararua are watching the end of century-long era, as the local dealership starts winding-down proceedings.

All the cars on Hoffman Ford's yard in Pahiatua were removed last Thursday by a fleet of 10 car transporters.

A company spokesperson confirmed the 105-year-old dealership would stop selling vehicles.

"Sadly the local Ford dealership that has traded since 1913 has made the hard decision to wind down and close," the spokesperson said.

"It is unfortunate and sad for the staff, many whom have served the company and customers so well over the years.

"The assets will be sold down through this process. Until this time the workshop will continue to trade."

The winding-down process, normally a precursor to liquidation, involves the company settling all outstanding business with contractors, suppliers and employees before closing.

Hoffman Motors Ltd, is majority owned by Pahiatua locals Fiona McKellar and Neil MacFarquhar. MacFarquhar also has a 45 per cent interest in KB Motors, which operates the Dannevirke Ford dealership.

KB Motors remains unaffected and is conducting business as usual.

The Hoffman dealership had been one of the oldest Ford dealerships still operating in New Zealand.

A spokesman for Ford NZ said the decision to wind down was not made by Ford, but customers would still have options to buy Fords in Palmerston North and Dannevirke.