Harley-Davidson site in Preston has closed

The prominent Bowker Harley-Davidson site on Strand Road was today lying empty.

Some of its 13 staff have been redeployed.

The site is part of the prestigious Bowker Motor Group, which has sites across Lancashire.

The Harley-Davidson dealership opened in 2007.

Paul Bowker, chief executive of the Bowker Motor Group, today confirmed the site closed on New Year's Eve.

He said: “The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted on this business. And in contrast to our other dealerships, this niche Harley-Davidson franchise proved to be financially unsustainable.

"In October this year, we revealed the dealership was for sale. Unfortunately, despite our best endeavours and an initial level of interest, the second lockdown made finding a new owner extremely difficult.

“Since the announcement to sell, we put plans in place to help the 13 Harley-Davidson staff with their future careers. Four staff have taken up new roles within the Bowker Motor Group, three others have found new jobs whilst six are still seeking employment."

Mr Bowker added: "We are especially grateful to the thousands of Harley-Davidson owners who we have been privileged to serve and ride with since 2007; and our dedicated staff who supported them.

“The closure now represents a strategic opportunity for us to focus on our successful core brands: BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI and Porsche.”

In 2007, the launch celebration of Harley-Davidson Preston, as it was then called, attracted more than 1,000 visitors.

Riders from throughout Lancashire celebrated the new £2 million dealership.

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