The appointment of receivers to Bill Cullen Motors to Bill Cullen Motors has sent shivers through the motor industry. While the writing may have been on the wall for some time that the group was struggling, the shock of the announcement was none the less a major blow to the industry and it leaves Renault rather thin on the ground in terms of their dealer network, especially in Dublin.

After 55 years in the motor industry, the end of the road for Bill Cullen Motors came with the Ulster Bank calling time on loans. The bank which is owed over €12 million by Bill Cullen Motors called in the receivers to the company’s two branches at Airside in Swords and Liffey Valley.

Earlier this year two other dealerships in the Glencullen Holding group were closed in Galway and Ennis. Describing this week’s news as a "sad occasion" Bill Cullen now loses control of a business that he invested heavly in himself to the tune of a reported €19 million. The charismatic Cullen who presented 'The Apprentice' TV show on TV3 - now also off the air - has been trying to save the business in the last few months by attempting to attract other car manufacturers to supply car to his ailing garages.

Bill Cullen and his partner, Jackie Lavin also own the Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry.