DEALERSHIP group Alexanders Holdings crashed into the red in the six months to September 30 last year as consumers postponed car purchases in the hope of cheaper prices.

The pre-tax loss of £1.08 million on turnover of £10.8million compared to a pre-tax profit of £11.78 million on turnover of £43 million for the same period last year, which reflected the sale of Alexanders Contract Holdings to Axus. Alexanders is selling sites in Edinburgh and Northampton and plans to retain just five dealerships.