Ryland has sold its Ford Northampton market area, with sites in Northampton, Kettering and Daventry, to Camden Motors for £0.5m in cash.

In the year ended December 31, 2000 the businesses lost £0.9m before tax. The disposal completes Ryland's withdrawal from the loss-making Ford division and represents further progress in the reorientation of the group towards the luxury and specialist car market.

Peter Whale, Ryland chairman, said: "The sale concludes our representation of the Ford brand. We do, however, anticipate announcing further expansion of our activities with Ford's Premier Automotive Group of franchises in the near future.

"The attraction of Ford as market leader and its positive control of franchise representation has enabled us to make a timely and cost effective departure whilst preserving our employees' positions and ensuring that our customers will be looked after by a professional team."