Czech-based used car dealer AAA Auto has decided to temporarily retreat from all foreign markets and focus on its main market of Czech Republic and Slovakia, following to suspend operations in Hungary as of end-March, reads a press release remitted by the company.

“AAA AUTO Group N.V. has decided to temporarily retreat from all foreign markets and focus on its main market of the Czech Republic and Slovakia during the time of the economic crisis. Also the new-car sales division was closed down at the end of 2008. Due to the difficult economic situation and the relative underperformance in the Group, the company decided to temporarily retreat from Hungary as at end-March 2009”, reads the press release.

The company signed a contract with a local partner SIXT New Kopel about a joint venture in Romania.AAA AUTO Group holds 5% in the Romanian company with an option to increase its stake up to 49%.

In 2008, AAA Auto recorded in Romania a turnover of 10.1 mln euros, down 50% from 20.2 million euros in 2007. The branch in Romania added 2.8% to the group’s turnover in 2008, in contrast with 4.3% contribution a year earlier.

The dealer sold 1,434 cars last year, 45.7% less compared to a year earlier, when it delivered some 2.641 cars. The Romanian branch geared 2% of the group’s total sales.

AAA Auto Romania’s headcount shrank 63% in 2008, down to 37 from 100 in 2007.

In June 2008, AAA Auto shut down its branch in Poland.

After the company’s decision to retreat from its foreign markets, the Group will have 30 branches in the Czech Republic (20) and Slovakia (10) as at the end of March 2009. At the end of 2008, AAA AUTO Group had 35 car centres in 4 countries down from 45 centres in 5 countries at end 2007.

The car stock has been lowered during the year by 44% yoy to 5,024 cars from 9,049 cars at end 2007.

The group’s headcount redu