Looking Up!: Barnetts weathers Mazda downturn

Scottish motor dealership Barnetts has remained in profit despite a 34 per cent slump in sales of Mazda cars.

The Dundee-based firm, which also holds franchises for Peugeot, Volkswagen and Volvo, described Mazda as its “greatest challenge” last year amid the brand’s “declining market share and lack of new product”.

But it said VW had been “particularly good for us” and flagged a further year of profit in 2012, boosted by launches such as the Peugeot 208 hatchback and VW Up! city car, pictured.

Accounts obtained from Companies House show that the dealership made a profit of just below £650,000 in 2011, down from £752,000 a year earlier. Overall turnover fell by 4.7 per cent to £42.9m.

The company, whose headcount rose by five to 131, said: “The trading climate will be challenging during 2012 but we are very confident of another profitable and cash generative year in 2012.”

SCOTT REID