Swindon-based franchised motor retailer Cambria expects its growth to accelerate this year as sales in its new showrooms shift up a gear.
The firm, which operates 28 dealerships, representing 45 franchises and 18 brands, across the UK said it expects its financial results for the year ended August 31 to be ahead of current market forecasts. 
In an upbeat statement to the London Stock Exchange earlier this week, it said trading in the first 11 months of the 2013/14 financial year had been substantially ahead of the corresponding period in 2012/13.
New vehicle unit sales, excluding its recently-acquired Land Rover and Jaguar business in Barnet, increased by 15.7%, outperforming the overall market which rose by 10.6%. It said its margins remained strong.
Used vehicle sales also performed well; unit sales were 3.2% ahead of the same period in the prior year with a gross profit per unit improvement of 5.9%. Growth in the group’s aftersales operations also continued with a profit increase of 4.3% year-on-year.
The integration of Land Rover and Jaguar in Barnet was progressing well is expected to make a considerable contribution to the group’s performance in 2014/15 and beyond, it said.
Heading into the important September trading period, the group’s new car order book was ahead of the same point last year, reflecting the continuing strength of the new car market. The company said it continues to view prospects for the new financial year with confidence.
Cambria will announce its preliminary results for the year ended August 31 on November 25.
Last year Cambria invested £500,000 in refurbishing its Swindon Motor Park.
