John Clark reports 81% profit surge 19 | 09 | 2011
ONE OF SCOTLAND'S leading motor groups, Aberdeen-based John Clark, has seen a surge to record profits over the last 12 months, up 81% from from £1.7 million in 2009 to £3.1m in 2010. Turnover also improved, up 10% to £281m.
The John Clark Motor Group —Scotland’s fourth largest motor group, with 679 employees in dealerships across the east of Scotland in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Fife — reported a 5% increase in new vehicle sales to almost 6000 units.
However, used car sales were down 4% on the previous year, reflecting the market conditions, but margins were improved.
“These results build on the achievements of 2009," John Clark, chairman and managing director of JCMG, said today. "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.
Work starts on new John Clark Land Rover site in Edinburgh
“Much of this success can be credited to the performance of our dealership staff and the management team. 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 John Clark Motor Group continues to focus on the North and East of Scotland and in developing and extending our relationships with our franchise partners."
John Clark Motor Group represents an established cross-section of some of the leading brands in the business, including 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.
"During 2010 we embarked on further business expansion in this region, having been awarded the Skoda franchise for Dundee," Mr Clark continued. "Our new Specialist Cars Skoda dealership opened in the city in January this year.
John Clark opens new Skoda dealership in Dundee
“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 £6 million 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.”
“Looking towards the end of the current year we expect the market to remain challenging, but the group’s performance to date has been satisfactory.
"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.”
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Jim McGill
RECORDBREAKERS: Our photograph shows the family power behind the John Clark Motor Group (from left) Chris Clark, John Clark and Vicky Reid.