Shares in Swindon-based franchised motor retailer Cambria rose by more than 5% in early trading today after it said it expects its financial results to be ‘significantly ahead’ of the previous year.
In an upbeat trading statement to shareholders, the group said its performance in the first five months of the current financial year had been substantially ahead of the corresponding period in 2012/13 and it viewed the outlook for the remainder of the financial year with confidence. 
New vehicle unit sales during the period increased by 18.7%, outperforming the UK market figure of 10.8%, and margins remained strong.
However, while the firm, which last year invested £500,000 in refurbishing its Swindon Motor Park, expects new car volumes to remain robust this year, margins may come under pressure if the availability of new cars exceeds natural retail demand.
Used vehicle sales also performed well. Unit sales were 11.1% ahead of the same period last year with gross profit per unit improving by 5.8%.
Growth in Cambria’s aftersales operations also continued with profitability currently up 5% year-on-year.
The statement added: “Heading into the important March trading period, the new car order book is ahead of the same point last year, reflecting the ongoing momentum in the new car market. If this trend continues at current rates, the board expects the group to deliver a strong trading performance in this crucial month.”
Cambria’s 27 dealerships represent 42 franchises and 17 brands.
Figures for the six months to February 28 will be issued on May 13.
Cambria's shares rose by 5.07% this morning before easing back. By mid afternoon they were trading up 0.92% on the day at 53.75p.
