Hobart dealership of luxury car brand no longer operating

Customers wanting to purchase a vehicle from a luxury car maker in Hobart currently have to look elsewhere following the closure of the brand’s dealership in the city this month.

CUSTOMERS wanting to purchase a Lexus vehicle in Hobart currently have to look elsewhere following the closure of the brand’s dealership in the city this month.

Co-Operative Motors Pty Ltd, trading as Lexus of Hobart, decided earlier this year to relinquish the franchise with Lexus Australia that they have held since the 1990s.

The decision took effect on November 3, Co-Op Motors company director Grant Costelloe said.

Mr Costelloe said the decision was made for the company to be able to use the current Lexus site — at the corner of Argyle and Brisbane Streets — for other commercial purposes.

“Co-Op Motors has been in constant contact with the client base over the past six months informing them of the decision,’’ he said.

“Co-Op Motors will continue to provide service and warranty support until customers are otherwise notified.”

Sales inquiries are being directed to Lexus Australia.

The Mercury understands Co-Op Motors wanted to incorporate the Lexus operation into one of its other sites because it was not viable to continue running it at the standalone location.

But Lexus Australia objected to that proposal, the Mercury believes.

Long-time Hobart Lexus vehicle owner Scott Donoghue had nothing but praise for the Co-Op Motors staff.

“I found their service exemplary in every aspect,’’ he said. “They went above and beyond what was required.”

Mr Donoghue, of Sandy Bay, said he and wife Janette both own Lexus vehicles and have referred many of their friends to the brand.

Mr Donoghue said Co-Op Motors had kept them informed of the upcoming changes, but he was critical of the lack of communication from Lexus Australia.

After posting a comment to its Facebook page late last month, Mr Donoghue said he was contacted by the company. But he said he was not satisfied with their approach.

“They haven’t learned from it. They still haven’t communicated in writing with any of the owners,’’ he said.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for Lexus Australia said the company is committed to the Hobart market.

“We are moving as quickly as possible to confirm long-term arrangements for the sale and service of Lexus vehicles,’’ the spokeswoman said.

“Current Lexus customers can arrange for vehicle service through the existing dealership.

“Lexus would like to assure the Hobart community and our customers of our commitment to ensuring Lexus meets and exceeds their needs and expectations.”