Car parts company drives up turnover

EURO Car Parts has driven further into the black as turnover rose sharply, helped by new branch openings.

The firm, which claims to be the UK's largest distributor of replacement car and van parts, said pre-tax profits in 2009 had risen to 17 million, from 6.6m a year earlier. Today's accounts reveal turnover of 186.9m, up from 145.1m.

ECP said it had added nine branches creating some 250 jobs, with the network set to exceed 70 locations during 2010. The group has Scottish sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

ECP chief executive Sukhpal Singh said: "During 2009, we became the UK's largest car and van parts distributor.

"The early signs from our trading performance in 2010 have been very positive in spite of the harsh winter with sales reaching record levels. The outlook is exciting as we enter the next phase."