Yorkshire-based dealer group JCT600 has reported a buoyant start to the year with used car sales up by 30% in January in comparison to the same month last year.

In the second half of 2008, the group adopted a more aggressive approach to retailing used cars.

The group has ramped up internet marketing, along with traditional press, radio and direct mail campaigns and a new sales, marketing and training team was created in-house, to specifically support JCT600’s 42 franchised outlets.

John Tordoff, JCT600 chief executives, said: “The increased year on year performance that we have enjoyed this month did not really come as any surprise to the management team.

“Much of the latter part of 2008 was focused not only on increasing sales volume but equally on planning our start to 2009. What is most encouraging to me is the consistency of our performance; our numbers are steady each day, not only on units but also on profit per unit.”

Tordoff said it was crucial that all of its 20 franchises started the year on “top form”and that even its specialist premium brands have been experiencing strong demand.

JCT600 franchises include Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Jeep, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Peugeot, Porsche, Saab, Seat, Smart, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

Tordoff added: “Our customers are now returning to the market, perhaps making a decision that they delayed last year.

“Our Porsche dealership in Leeds is on target to take orders on over 50 cars this month, split equally between approved used and new models such as the Panamera and the Cayenne diesel.”

JCT600 is planning an additional 100 training and development days this year in order to continue developing its people and systems into 2010.

Tordoff said: “We have invested heavily to ensure that our team stays motivated and ready to face any challenge the remainder of the year may bring.”