It is a sign of the times I think Mitch.
I think more companies will be closing dealerships and/or merging franchises into large ‘multi-franchise’ dealerships close to large towns/cities.
The smaller dealerships will go over time, as will the quality of service which small local dealerships often beat the ‘big boys’ at.
You make an exceptionally good point about internet car buying not being suitable for people with disabilities though.
If dealers do go down this route, perhaps Motability would need to look at holding more of their road-shows, where disabled people can at least have a chance to climb into/out of vehicles and take a (often limited) test drive. At least it gives disabled people the chance to rule in/rule out vehicles before probably having to drive many miles to the nearest dealership.
Also, when local dealerships do close down, it makes taking the car in for a service a chore – unless Motability can contractually insist that dealerships do collection/delivery. However, for example, my closest brand dealership is some 45 miles away from home so dealerships may not be too willing to do this.
All in all, it doesn’t bode well for the future, both for customers (including Motability customers) and the staff at dealerships who will be losing their jobs/livelihoods.