Shelbourne Motors in Northern Ireland has reported 2018 pre-tax profits of £1.2m, a 28% improvement on the prior year.

Its directors will hope for further growth ahead following competion of a £5m investment into a new multi-franchise complex in Newry.

That 50,000sq ft development, which brings new Renault and Kia showrooms plus a used car supermarket onto one site, will create 60 new jobs when it opens later this month, the company said.

It will include new car handover bays and a drive-through service centre.

Kia is Shelbourne Motors' newest addition and expands its franchise portfolio to five brands.

At its Portadown headquarters, Shelbourne Motors employs more than 130 staff and operates Toyota, Nissan, Renault and Dacia franchises, plus a used car centre, rental outlet, valeting centre and an accident repair centre.

“We are operating in a challenging and competitive environment, and to record a 28% increase in annual profits reflects the strength and growth of our brand," said Caroline Willis, financial director of Shelbourne Motors.

“Our 2018 performance has strengthened our position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading vehicle retailers, built upon an ethos of delivering exceptional choice and service to our loyal and ever-expanding customer base.

“We are determined to build on this success with the opening of our new £5m complex in Newry. The Newry expansion is our largest ever single investment and will create 60 new jobs for the Newry area.

“The state-of-the-art facility has been meticulously designed to provide an unequalled sales and after-care experience to local customers with a host of technologically-advanced features in a vibrant, modern and spacious environment.”

In 2016 the group became the first Renault dealer in Northern Ireland to win a Dealer of the Year Award from the brand.