AM100 car dealer Sytner Group recorded its highest ever sales and profits in 2012.

The company exceeded £3bn sales for the first time, growth of 15%, helped by its acquisition last spring of major Northern Ireland motor retailer Isaac Agnew.

Pre-tax profit of £66m was a third up on the previous year.

The Leicestershire-based company, which specialises in premium and specialist franchises from Audi to Porsche, put its result down to strong demand for its brands and hard work by its teams to capitalise on the attractive finance deals on offer.

Managing director Gerard Nieuwenhuys said Sytner is finding that customers are changing into smaller, more efficient cars, but they still want prestige ones, reports the Leicester Mercury.