Pendragon bullish about the future

BRITAIN'S biggest car dealership shrugged off fears over the future of the "cash for bangers" scheme yesterday as it predicted annual results ahead of plan and for trends to keep improving.

Pendragon, owner of the Stratstone and Evans Halshaw chains, reported higher sales of both new and used cars in the four months to 31 October, thanks in part to the scrappage scheme helping to drive customers to the forecourt.

While the scheme, offering 2,000 off a new car, has helped increase sales, the group said self-help measures were also bearing fruit.