JDMG had lodged plans for an extensive $3 million redevelopment of the site ahead of its move and the application was approved by Orange City Council in mid-March.

However in a message to its customers on Monday morning, the car dealership announced it had axed its plans to move.

"Due to COVID-19 and the effects this is having on the car industry, this re-location will unfortunately not be proceeding," JDMG posted to social media.

"It would have been a great dealership site, and although JDMG is disappointed, we are very positive about the future and with our fantastic customers, staff and families we will navigate our way through this unprecedented time and come out the other side.

"Therefore, we are staying at our Bathurst Road home of 37 years which has served us very well and we are very confident that JDMG has a bright future ahead."

JDMG said it was business as usual, with sales, service, parts, accessories and finance departments still open.