Sales have continued to motor ahead at Swindon-based franchised motor retailer Cambria, with trading in the first 11 months of its financial year “substantially” ahead of the same period last year, it said in an update to shareholders.
The group, which operates 31 dealerships across the UK, also said the new car order book was building well as it headed into September – a crucial month for the motor trade. 
New vehicle unit sales were up 11% – 3.8% on a like-for-like basis – with gross profit per retail unit increasing year on year.
Used vehicle sales also performed well, with unit sales 4.4% ahead – like-for-like 2.6% – of the same period in the previous year. Gross profit per unit continued to increase year on year which had driven profit growth from the used car segment of the business.
Aftersales operations also continued to perform well, with profitability up by 3.7% year-on-year (like-for-like flat).
Cambria has grown rapidly in recent years through selected acquisitions and organic growth. It said the TH White’s Royal Wootton Bassett Land Rover dealership it snapped up last year for £7.56m had continued to perform in line with expectations.
A Land Rover dealership in Welwyn Garden City acquired on January was integrating to plan while its latest acquisitions – a Jaguar and Land Rover business in Woodford acquired in July – was being integrated into the group.
A newly opened, third Aston Martin dealership in Solihull was now fully operational and a forward order bank is building.
Chief executive officer Mark Lavery said: “The group has performed well during the course of the financial year, delivering growth in the operating business and adding on earnings accretive acquisitions.
“The mix of franchises has been enriched in line with our growth strategy and the business is well placed to build on the momentum generated this year. The September order bank is building well and this puts us in a strong position heading into the important plate change month.”
Cambria's brand portfolio currently comprises Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Dacia, Ford, Fiat, Honda, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, Seat, Triumph, Vauxhall and Volvo. It also operates the Invicta and Motorpark brands – including Swindon Motor Park.
The trading update came ahead of Cambria’s preliminary results for the year to August 31, which are due to be announced on November 22.
