Two major Torbay car dealerships to close amid rising costs

Ocean Torbay has confirmed it will close in the coming months, citing difficult trading conditions and rising operational costs which have made the business “financially unviable”.

The company operates an MOT centre in Kingskerswell and a trading site on Totnes Road, both of which are expected to cease operations on 6 March 2026. Until then, all existing service appointments remain unaffected, with customers advised that future bookings can be handled through Ocean Plymouth once the closure takes effect.

Head of Business Gareth Watton shared the news online, describing it as a deeply emotional moment for the team.

He said: “Sadly the news that is travelling very fast is true, and Ocean Torbay will be closing in the next few months. Obviously a very difficult time for every member of my team and I am absolutely gutted.

I built a great team of people and to see that break up in the coming weeks will be hard."

The announcement follows growing concern over the future of other major dealership sites in Torbay, with Snows Toyota Paignton, also on Totnes Road, reported to be preparing for closure in early February 2026.

Customers began receiving letters and digital notifications on 10 January 2026, advising that the branch would cease operations in around three weeks.

While a formal statement from Snows Group has not yet appeared on its main website, the communication to customers indicates that the site will shortly shut its doors.

Further updates are expected as the situation progresses.