John Clark Group motoring ahead

By Scott Reid
Published on 18/02/2012 00:00

John Clark Motor Group has played down recession fears and vowed to continue its expansion drive after cutting the ribbon on a £6 million Land Rover dealership in Edinburgh.

The family owned firm, one of Scotland’s biggest motor dealers with a string of east-coast showrooms, said it was pushing ahead with plans for a service centre in East Lothian. The move is set to create further jobs after the group took on an additional 17 staff for the flagship Pentland showroom at Newbridge, on the outskirts of the capital.

Chris Clark, who managed the latest project, said: “We have taken a long-term view with this investment. Land Rover’s approach to managing the recession has been very sensible.

“We’ve recently completed the development of a five-year strategy document. Hopefully we will be seeing some additions to the group that will be very positive.”

Full-year accounts published in September showed turnover at John Clark rose by 10 per cent to just under £281m.

Figures earlier this week revealed bumper global sales at Jaguar Land Rover.