Despite tough economic times the managing director of one of Scotland’s largest independent motor groups has reported a 6.6% rise in new car sales compared to the national average of 2.5%.

Inverness-based Macrae & Dick boss Andy Grzesinski says that while sales of cars and vans have slowed in the second half of this year, 2008 started a lot better than the same time in 2007.

"Times are a lot tougher now and manufacturers have got to recognise that they can’t keep over-producing cars," he said.

Speaking after the firm’s accounts for 2007 were filed at Companies House, he said Macrae & Dick’s better than average sales performance reflected increases in their market share and retention of existing customers.

Turnover for the year was up 11.7% to £134 million while pre-tax profits were slightly down on 2006 from £1.49 million to £1.45 million.

He added: "We have excellent customer loyalty at Macrae & Dick and that’s a strength we will be building on in the future.

"Customer retention is a key and that means constant improvement in service and delivery from us. The trading situation may not look brilliant but I’m upbeat and confident we can weather this situation by offering the best possible service to our customers."

The firm employs 458 staff and has franchise operations at Inverness, Elgin, Perth and Stirling.

Its franchises include Ford, Land Rover, BMW, Mini, Jaguar, Honda, and Mazda.