The John Clark Motor Group has seen turnover increase by 10% to £281 million and pre-tax profits increase from £1.7m to £3.1m in 2010.
New vehicle sales increased by 5% during 2010 to almost 6,000 units. Used car sales were down 4% on the previous year, reflecting the market conditions, but margins were improved.
John Clark, chairman and managing director of the John Clark Motor Group, said: “These results build on the achievements of 2009.
“We ended 2010 with a record profit for the group and much improved liquidity. This puts us in a strong position for further development in the business.
“Particularly against the background of the recession, it was also most encouraging that 2010 was the fifth successive year when turnover growth was achieved across each of our service, body repair and parts operations.”
Clark put much of the success of the group down to the performance of its dealership staff and the management team.
He said: “Over the years we have maintained a continuing commitment to apprenticeship schemes and training programmes and, in 2010 we became the first Scottish Group to implement the Institute of the Motor Industry’s management accreditation programme.
“Through this we are already investing in the next generation of our management team.”
The top 30 AM100 dealer group continues to focus on the north and east of Scotland and is looking to develop and extend its partnerships with its existing franchises.
During 2010 the group was awarded the Skoda franchise for Dundee. Its new Specialist Cars Skoda dealership opened in the city in January this year.
Clark said: “We were also successful in securing the expanded Land Rover franchise for the whole of Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“Work is progressing well on a new £6m dealership for Pentland Land Rover at Newbridge and this is due to be completed for the launch of the extended franchise at the end of 2011.
“Further projects are being discussed with manufacturers we represent and the group is well placed to pursue these opportunities as they arise.”
Clark expects the end of the current year to remain challenging but believes the group’s performance to date has been “satisfactory”.
He said: “Over the last two years our balance sheet has been strengthened giving us both the structure and the financial resources to take advantage of any future opportunities.”
The John Clark Motor Group is Scotland’s fourth largest motor group with 679 employees. The group represents BMW, Mini and Audi in Aberdeen and Dundee, Volkswagen in Aberdeen and Fife, Skoda in Aberdeen and Dundee, Seat in Aberdeen and Land Rover in Edinburgh. In addition the group holds the Volkswagen van franchises in Edinburgh and in Aberdeen which has recently been relocated to the Clark Commercials site in Dyce.