Pendragon, the UK's biggest motor retail group, has announced higher profits after cutting ties with nine carmakers.

Chief executive Trevor Finn is concentrating on specialist marques – plus Ford and Vauxhall – ready for changes after Block Exemption revision.

Mr Finn said: “There is no easy formula to relate size of turnover to manufacturer links – the balance among turnover, sites and manufacturers is a complex one.

“But we have found big is not necessarily more complicated – Pendragon is easier to run than two years ago.

“Perhaps car retailers are becoming stronger and ones which are run properly should be making good money at the moment.”

Mr Finn hopes Pendragon's joint venture with Ford will become profitable in the second half of the year. (September 7, 2001)