SHELBOURNE Motors saw its pre-tax profit rise by 28 per cent to £1.2m last year, it announced today.
The Portadown-based vehicle retailer attributed the year-on-year increase to a strong sales performance in new and used cars as well as aftersales services.
Financial director Caroline Willis said: ‘Shelbourne Motors is delighted with the company’s financial performance in 2018. We are operating in a challenging and competitive environment, and to record a 28 per cent increase in annual profits reflects the strength and growth of our brand.
‘Our 2018 performance has strengthened our position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading vehicle retailers, built upon an ethos of delivering exceptional choice and service to our loyal and ever-expanding customer base.’
It coincides with the family-owned business’s £5m investment in a new multi-franchise complex in Newry. The 50,000 sq ft development will create 60 jobs when it officially opens later this month and will include new Renault and Kia car showrooms, a used car supermarket, new car handover bays, a lounge-style waiting area plus a drive-through service centre with a state-of-the-art service workshop.
The Kia partnership will see Shelbourne expand its franchise portfolio to five global manufacturers, making it the only dedicated dealership supplying new and used Kia vehicles in the Newry and Mourne area.
It employs more than 130 staff at its Portadown HQ, where it operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a used car supermarket, rental division, accident repair centre and valet centre.
‘We are determined to build on this success with the opening of our new £5m complex in Newry,’ added Willis. ‘The Newry expansion is our largest single investment and will create 60 new jobs for the Newry area.
‘The state-of-the-art facility has been meticulously designed to provide an unequalled sales and aftercare experience to local customers with a host of technologically advanced features in a vibrant, modern and spacious environment.’
Pictured are Shelbourne Motors sales director Richard Ward, left, Caroline Willis and sales director Paul Ward
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